HEAD-4 (45624)

COSPAR: 2020-034A | Alt Name: HEAD-4
DECAYED

Image
HEAD-4 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 31, 2020

Launch Site

JSC

Launch Pad

LC43/94

Launch Vehicle

Chang Zheng 2D

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

45624

International Designator

2020-034A

Decay Date

3/14/2024

Basic Satellite Info

Name

HEAD-4

Alternative Name

HEAD-4

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

HEAD

Country

China

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
HEAD-4 is a Chinese satellite (NORAD_CAT_ID: 45624) manufactured by SAST and owned by HEAD. Launched on May 31, 2020, from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (JSC), LC43/94, using the Chang Zheng 2D launch vehicle, this satellite has a configuration shaped like a Box with two Pan extensions. It measures 0.5 meters in length and 0.2 meters in diameter, with a span of 2 meters. The dry mass is recorded at 45 kg, which matches its launch mass. Equipped with high-performance AIS-receiver for communication M2M/IoT and traffic monitoring purposes, HEAD-4 powers itself through two deployable solar arrays and batteries. Its mission duration is projected to last between 2-3 years.
Physical Characteristics

Length

0.5

Diameter

0.2

Span

2

Dry Mass

45

Launch Mass

45

Shape

Box + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

HEAD-2C

Purpose

Communication M2M/IoT, traffic monitoring

Mission

Communication M2M/IoT, traffic monitoring

Manufacturer

SAST

Life Expectancy

2-3 years

Bus

HEAD-1

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

high performance AIS-receiver

Power System

2 deployable solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

China's Rocket Factory Finds a Second Gear

China's Rocket Factory Finds a Second Gear

In 2024, China launched 68 orbital missions. In 2025, the number jumped to 97. In 2026, state media and Western analysts agree the target is 140 or more. Most of that growth is being driven by two state-backed mega-constellations, a half-dozen private launch companies hitting stride, and a deliberate national pivot toward commercial space. Beijing is no longer trying to catch SpaceX. It is trying to build an industrial base that outlasts one.

Space Brief 16 Jul 2025

Space Brief 16 Jul 2025

Today's brief covers China's Tianzhou-9 launch to the Tiangong space station, the U.S. Space Force's unfunded MILNET project, and the evolving use of AI in military applications.

Europe's First Starlink Direct-to-Smartphone Service Goes Live | KeepTrack X Report

Europe's First Starlink Direct-to-Smartphone Service Goes Live | KeepTrack X Report

Virgin Media O2 launches Europe's first Starlink direct-to-smartphone service in the UK. SpaceX launches 29 more Starlink satellites. Dragon cargo capsule returns after 6-month ISS mission.

Space Brief 21 Mar 2025

Space Brief 21 Mar 2025

Today's highlights include SpaceX's new rocket-reuse record with a spy satellite launch, Space Force's funding strategies, and a European defense summit addressing security concerns.

X Report 25 Dec 2025

X Report 25 Dec 2025

Starlink reaches 9 million active users, while SpaceX prepares for upcoming missions with Flight 12 vehicles readying for 2026.

Space Brief 8 Dec 2025

Space Brief 8 Dec 2025

Today's edition covers SpaceX scrubbing and successfully launching Starlink satellites, AI innovations in spacecraft propulsion, and the impact of SPHERE's debris disk survey in discovering hidden asteroid belts.

Pentagon Allocates $8B for Space-Based Moving Target Tracking | KeepTrack Space Brief

Pentagon Allocates $8B for Space-Based Moving Target Tracking | KeepTrack Space Brief

Pentagon requests $8 billion for space-based moving target tracking constellation in FY2027 budget. New NORAD IDs expected as Space Force expands orbital ISR capabilities.

Space Force Eyes 1,000 Launches by 2031, New Site Required | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Eyes 1,000 Launches by 2031, New Site Required | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force projects ~1,000 launches between FY2027–FY2031, averaging 200 annually. DAF study concludes new launch site is "probably" required to absorb cadence.