The $30 Million Toilet That Keeps Breaking on the Way to the Moon
Sixty years of space toilet engineering, a decade of development, and a $30 million contract - and the Artemis II crew still had to pee in bags on Day 1.
TIANQI-5 (45019)
COSPAR: 2020-003D | Alt Name: Tianqi Xingzuo 05
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 15, 2020
Launch Site
TAISC
Launch Pad
LC9
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 2D
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
45019
International Designator
2020-003D
Decay Date
8/8/2024
Basic Satellite Info
Name
TIANQI-5
Alternative Name
Tianqi Xingzuo 05
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
GUOG
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
TIANQI-5 (also known as Tianqi Xingzuo 05) is a CubeSat (6U?) communication satellite launched on January 15, 2020, from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center's LC9 using the Chang Zheng 2D launch vehicle. Manufactured by ASES for GUOG in China, it has dimensions of 0.5 meters in length and diameter and weighs 40 kilograms at launch. The satellite is designed for Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) communications, equipped with two deployable fixed solar arrays and batteries to provide power. It operates in a box shape configuration without specific details on its major events or constellation membership.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.5
Diameter
0.3
Span
0.5
Dry Mass
40
Launch Mass
40
Shape
Box
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Tianqi-5
Purpose
Communication M2M/IoT
Mission
Communication M2M/IoT
Manufacturer
ASES
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
StarLightB
Configuration
CubeSat (6U) ?
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
2 deployable fixed solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 13 Dec 2024
SpaceX ramps up Starship preparations in Florida while California prepares for another Starlink launch.
SpaceX Orbits 7.5-Ton SiriusXM Satellite & 24 Starlinks | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX completed two launches June 28, orbiting the 15,000-lb SXM-11 satellite and 24 Starlink V2 craft from Vandenberg.
X Report 22 Dec 2025
SpaceX celebrates a year of industry milestones, including the successful deployment of Starlink satellites and innovative advancements in rocket technology.
X Report 28 Apr 2025
SpaceX marks a milestone with its 250th Starlink mission, continuing to expand its broadband satellite network.
Space Brief 27 Oct 2024
Today's brief covers SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, updates on Crew-8's return, and preparations for the SLS Artemis II mission.
Space Brief 18 Sep 2025
Today's coverage includes China's recent satellite launch, the Space Force's challenges with current tracking capabilities, and advancements in nuclear propulsion from Ohio State.
Army Recruiting 1,000 Space Specialists Alongside Space Force | KeepTrack Space Brief
Army launches space career field seeking 1,000 new specialists. HASC chair Rogers eyes $1.5T defense budget. Army and Marines share fire mission data via JADC2.