Space Force Eyes Space Tugs, On-Orbit Refueling by 2030 | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force commits to operational space tugs and on-orbit refueling by 2030. New capabilities will complicate conjunction analysis for GEO and MEO satellite tracking.
ZHOU ENLAI (43156)
COSPAR: 2018-008B | Alt Name: Huai'an hao Enlai xing
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 19, 2018
Launch Site
JSC
Launch Pad
LC43/95
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 11
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
43156
International Designator
2018-008B
Decay Date
7/16/2024
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ZHOU ENLAI
Alternative Name
Huai'an hao Enlai xing
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
HQZS/NJUST
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The ZHOU ENLAI satellite, also known as Huai'an hao Enlai xing, is a 2U CubeSat launched on January 19, 2018, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (JSC) using the Chang Zheng 11 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length and has a diameter of 0.1 meters with a span of 0.2 meters. It has a dry mass of 2 kilograms and was manufactured by LINGZ for technology and education purposes. Equipped with solar cells and batteries for power, the ZHOU ENLAI carries an HD camera as part of its payload named Huia'an. The mission is owned by HQZS/NJUST, and it has a box shape design without any motor or additional specified information regarding its lifetime, major events, or frequencies used.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.2
Diameter
0.1
Span
0.2
Dry Mass
2
Launch Mass
2
Shape
Box
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Huia'an
Purpose
Technology, education
Mission
Technology, education
Manufacturer
LINGZ
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Cubesat 2U
Configuration
CubeSat (2U)
Motor
None
Equipment
HD camera
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 10 Nov 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 29 Starlink satellites, bolstering its broadband network and expanding global internet coverage.
1 Million AI Data Centers in Orbit Threaten Astronomy | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's proposed 1-million-satellite AI data center constellation alarms astronomers as Falcon 9 logs its 25th Starlink launch of 2026.
Space Brief 8 Mar 2025
Today's Space Brief covers the landing of the X-37B spaceplane after a 434-day mission, the postponement of SDA's satellite launch, and the fiery debris from SpaceX's Starship over The Bahamas.
X Report 11 Jan 2025
Starship Flight 7 scheduled for Jan 13, SpaceX sets Falcon 9 record, and NRO expands spy satellite constellation.
X Report 20 Sep 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 24 Starlink satellites from California, enhancing its global internet coverage as the company continues to dominate the satellite communications market.
X Report 19 Apr 2025
SpaceX faces regulatory review for Bahamian rocket landings, positions itself for a major government contract, and a new Star Wars Lego set adds to the fun!
Saltzman's Final Warning: Space Force Preps for War | KeepTrack Space Brief
Gen. Chance Saltzman warns of impending space conflict as SpaceX launches 21 SDA satellites from Vandenberg. Space Force shifts from support role to core deterrent.