QUEQIAO (43470)

COSPAR: 2018-045A | Alt Name: Queqiao

Image
QUEQIAO Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 20, 2018

Launch Site

XICLF

Launch Pad

LC3

Launch Vehicle

Chang Zheng 4C

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

43470

International Designator

2018-045A

Epoch

Mon, 21 May 2018 23:16:48 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

27.50°

Right Ascension

209.52°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

171.22°

Period

14628.05 min

Mean Motion

0.10 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

QUEQIAO

Alternative Name

Queqiao

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

CASC

Country

China

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 43470U 18045A   18140.97000001 -.00010094 +00000-0 +00000-0 0  9992
2 43470 027.5020 209.5210 9658153 171.2240 002.0960 00.09844104000017

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The QUEQIAO satellite (OBJECT_ID: 2018-045A) was launched on May 20, 2018, from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center using a Chang Zheng 4C launch vehicle. Built by CAST for CASC, it has a BUS and configuration of CAST-100, with dimensions of 2 meters in length, 1.5 meters in diameter, and 4.2 meters in span. The satellite weighs 325 kg dry mass, had a launch mass of 425 kg, and is powered by two deployable solar arrays and batteries. Its primary mission includes serving as a Lunar Orbiter, relay satellite for Chang'e-4, and conducting radio astronomy with equipment such as a Relay payload and NCLE low-frequency radio detector. The satellite's design features include a Box+2 panels+dish shape and it utilizes a 130N LAE motor for propulsion. Its expected operational lifetime is over five years.
Physical Characteristics

Length

2

Diameter

1.5

Span

4.2

Dry Mass

325

Launch Mass

425

Shape

Box+2 panels+dish

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Chang'e-4 Relay

Purpose

Lunar Orbiter, relay, radio astronomy

Mission

Lunar Orbiter, relay, radio astronomy

Manufacturer

CAST

Life Expectancy

> 5 years

Bus

CAST-100

Configuration

CAST-100

Motor

130N LAE

Equipment

Relay payload, NCLE low-frequency radio detector

Power System

2 deployable solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
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.

Space Force Deploys Meadowlands Satellite-Jamming System | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Deploys Meadowlands Satellite-Jamming System | KeepTrack Space Brief

U.S. Space Force transitions Meadowlands mobile satellite-jamming platform to operational status. System provides ground forces with electronic warfare capability against adversary satellite links.

Space Brief 22 Nov 2024

Space Brief 22 Nov 2024

Today's key topics include delays in Vulcan's national security launches, a significant network upgrade contract for the Space Force, and military interest in SpaceX's Starship.

X Report 18 Mar 2025

X Report 18 Mar 2025

Major breakthroughs as SpaceX prepares to bring astronauts home and multiple launches unfold this week.

X Report 1 Dec 2025

X Report 1 Dec 2025

SpaceX celebrates significant milestones with the launch of Falcon 9 and developments in the Starship program, while Elon Musk addresses media narratives surrounding Starlink's humanitarian efforts.

Space Brief 9 Apr 2025

Space Brief 9 Apr 2025

Today's brief covers Blue Origin’s new defense launch contracts, the ISS launch of a Navy SEAL astronaut, Sierra Space’s GPS security advancements for the U.S. Space Force, and the Space Force's 'Orbital Watch' initiative.

Falcon 9 Booster B1067 Reaches 35th Flight Record | KeepTrack Space Brief

Falcon 9 Booster B1067 Reaches 35th Flight Record | KeepTrack Space Brief

Booster B1067 sets new Falcon 9 reuse record with 35th successful flight, deploying 29 Starlink satellites. Quantum Space pursues public markets via SPAC.

X Report 31 Mar 2025

X Report 31 Mar 2025

New experiments in space agriculture begin with Fram2 mission, a historic polar orbit flight, and a Starlink launch postponement.

X Report 6 Feb 2025

X Report 6 Feb 2025

SpaceX prepares for a new cargo-return mission with Atmos, deploys imaging satellites, and gears up for Axiom-4 private astronaut launch.