Space Brief 27 Jan 2025
Highlights include US military astronaut rescue drills, China's commercial involvement in lunar missions, ESA's budget proposals, global opposition to space advertising, and NASA lunar landers.
GAOFEN-5 01 (43461)
COSPAR: 2018-043A | Alt Name: Gao Fen 5
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 8, 2018
Launch Site
TAISC
Launch Pad
LC9
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 4C
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
43461
International Designator
2018-043A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:30:38 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
98.46°
Right Ascension
157.13°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
52.54°
Period
98.59 min
Mean Motion
14.61 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
GAOFEN-5 01
Alternative Name
Gao Fen 5
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
GWHYZ
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 43461U 18043A 26185.18794455 .00000387 00000-0 89654-4 0 9993
2 43461 98.4581 157.1321 0002646 52.5394 307.6046 14.60617525434173
Source: Celestrak
Summary
GAOFEN-5 01 (also known as Gao Fen 5) is an Earth observation satellite launched on May 8, 2018, from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center using a Chang Zheng 4C launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 2 meters in length and diameter with a span of 8 meters and has a dry mass of 2500 kg. It was manufactured by SAST (Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology) and is equipped with instruments including AHSI, VIMS, GMI, AIUS, EMI, and DPCX (#5, #5-02). The satellite's launch mass was 2700 kg and it has an expected lifetime of 8 years. It is owned by the China National Space Administration (GWHYZ) and operates using a deployable solar array and batteries for power supply. The spacecraft has a box shape with three panels.
Physical Characteristics
Length
2
Diameter
2
Span
8
Dry Mass
2500
Launch Mass
2700
Shape
Box + 3 Pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Gaofen 5
Purpose
Earth observation
Mission
Earth observation
Manufacturer
SAST
Life Expectancy
8 years
Bus
SAST-5000B
Configuration
SAST-5000B
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
AHSI, VIMS, GMI, AIUS, EMI, DPCX (#5, #5-02)
Power System
Deployable solar array, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 4 Apr 2025
SpaceX gears up for Starship's ninth flight with a reused booster, Fram2 astronauts share stunning orbital views, and SpaceX secures new NASA contracts for the Starship.
Space Brief 9 Nov 2025
Today's top stories include SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, Blue Origin's FAA exemption request, and major acquisitions by Intuitive Machines and Firefly Aerospace shaping the defense and space landscape.
Space Brief 18 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include Space Force prioritizing military missions, testing new GPS satellite software, and international defense collaborations impacting space assets.
Space Brief 15 Dec 2025
Today's highlights include multiple SpaceX Starlink launches, a successful Rocket Lab mission for JAXA, and a scheduled launch update from Kennedy Space Center.
Crew-11 Preps for First-Ever ISS Medical Evacuation, Lufthansa Orders Starlink for 850 Jets | KeepTrack X Report
Crew-11 prepares for historic first ISS medical evacuation via Crew Dragon. Lufthansa Group to equip all 850 aircraft with Starlink. Starship infrastructure advances at Starbase and Cape Canaveral.
Space Brief 21 Aug 2024
Recent Starlink launches, autonomous navigation for satellite swarms, major funding for asteroid mining, and insights into NASA's various projects and developments.
Space Brief 18 Jun 2025
Today's updates cover crucial developments in satellite licensing reforms, defense cybersecurity, and AI integration within government sectors.