Space Brief 18 Apr 2025
Today's highlights include a Minotaur IV launch of U.S. spy satellites, Rocket Lab's new defense contracts, and the unveiling of Space Force's warfighting framework. Plus, the Satellite Spotlight dives into METEOR 3-1.
TIANHUI 1-04 (49049)
COSPAR: 2021-067A | Alt Name: Tianhui 1-04
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 29, 2021
Launch Site
JSC
Launch Pad
LC43/94
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 2D
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
49049
International Designator
2021-067A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 08:09:28 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
97.28°
Right Ascension
252.93°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
129.41°
Period
94.52 min
Mean Motion
15.24 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
TIANHUI 1-04
Alternative Name
Tianhui 1-04
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
GCDX
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 49049U 21067A 26185.33991844 .00007257 00000-0 30663-3 0 9997
2 49049 97.2756 252.9270 0001528 129.4129 230.7243 15.23529781274204
Source: Celestrak
Summary
TIANHUI 1-04, also known as Tianhui 1-04, is an Earth observation satellite launched on July 29, 2021, from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (JSC) using the Chang Zheng 2D launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures approximately 1 meter in length and diameter with a span of 3 meters. It has a dry mass of 1000 kg and was launched with the same mass. The satellite is based on the CAST-2000 bus design and is owned by GCDX (Guojia Cehui Daxue or National Space Science Center). Its manufacturer is DFHZ (Dongfanghong Satellite Co., Ltd.). Tianhui 1-04 is equipped with two deployable solar arrays and batteries for power generation. The satellite's shape consists of a box with two panels, designated for Earth observation missions.
Physical Characteristics
Length
1
Diameter
1
Span
3
Dry Mass
1000
Launch Mass
1000
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Tianhui 1 hao 04 xing
Purpose
Earth observation
Mission
Earth observation
Manufacturer
DFHZ
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
CAST-2000
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, 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 3 Jan 2025
SpaceX's pivotal role in setting a new global launch record and the upcoming launch of the Thuraya 4-NGS satellite are spotlighted today.
X Report 9 Apr 2025
SpaceX makes strides with new GPS and Starlink launches while securing major U.S. government contracts.
SaxaVord Spaceport
The UK's orbital ambitions rest on a remote Shetland island. How SaxaVord became Europe's first fully licensed vertical launch spaceport - and why, despite being ready for years, it's still waiting for a rocket that works.
C-Band
The workhorse frequency band that quietly powers satellite communications, weather radar, and Wi-Fi around the world
China's Shenlong Spaceplane Releases Mystery Object | KeepTrack Space Brief
China's Shenlong spaceplane released an unidentified object in orbit, drawing scrutiny amid U.S. Space Force Victus Haze RPO demonstrations. Tracking data critical.
X Report 16 Apr 2025
SpaceX gears up for another busy week with a Falcon 9 launch to the ISS while Vast Space expands its Haven-1 payload roster.
Space Brief 22 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers a reveal from the US Space Force of the X-37B space plane in orbit, a developing defense shakeup involving key military leaders, confirmation of advanced federated ICAM connections by the DoD, and SAAB's plan for a Euro defense coalition. Plus, we spotlight the BDSAT-2 CubeSat.