Space Brief 24 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers South Korea's fourth spy satellite launch, potential changes in drone deployment strategies by the US Air Force, and the largest-ever spectrum-sharing demonstration set by the Pentagon.
TIANHUI 2-02A (49071)
COSPAR: 2021-074A | Alt Name: Tianhui-2 02-01
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 18, 2021
Launch Site
TAISC
Launch Pad
LC9
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 4B
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
49071
International Designator
2021-074A
Epoch
Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:27:02 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
97.48°
Right Ascension
185.68°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
98.14°
Period
94.94 min
Mean Motion
15.17 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
TIANHUI 2-02A
Alternative Name
Tianhui-2 02-01
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
GCDX
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 49071U 21074A 26182.64377605 .00001788 00000-0 94591-4 0 9998
2 49071 97.4810 185.6800 0001609 98.1422 261.9993 15.16734931269468
Source: Celestrak
Summary
TIANHUI 2-02A (also known as Tianhui-2 02-01) is an Earth observation satellite launched on August 18, 2021, from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center's LC9 pad using a Chang Zheng 4B launch vehicle. Built by SAST and operated by GCDX, the satellite employs SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) technology for its mission objectives. It has dimensions of 1 meter in length and diameter with a span of 3 meters, and it weighs approximately 1000 kilograms both at launch and dry mass. The spacecraft's power is provided by solar arrays and batteries. Its shape consists of a box with two panels, and it is part of the CAST-2000 bus series.
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 2 hao 02 zu 01 xing
Purpose
Earth observation (SAR)
Mission
Earth observation (SAR)
Manufacturer
SAST
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
CAST-2000
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
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 27 Mar 2025
SpaceX successfully launches 27 Starlink satellites and gains approval for internet services in Vietnam.
Space Brief 11 May 2025
Discover the latest innovations from Rocket Lab, new developments in hypersonic flight, and significant advances in satellite technology with BlackSky. Gain insights into the Space Force's mission and MIT physicists' breakthroughs in observing atoms.
Trump Asks Musk About Starlink for Iran Internet Blackout | KeepTrack X Report
Trump approaches Elon Musk about restoring Iran internet via Starlink during government blackout. SpaceX completes fifth launch of 2026 with 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral.
X Report 20 Nov 2025
SpaceX continues to make strides with its Starship program while successfully launching another batch of Starlink satellites into orbit, enhancing global internet coverage.
Space Brief 20 Aug 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights Globalstar's new military focus, technological innovations in the Army's tactical systems, and a deeper look at key military satellite communications developments.
X Report 18 Apr 2025
Cape Canaveral launch site activities intensify; SpaceX explores new subscription model for Trump's Golden Dome.
Starship Florida Launch Targeting 2026 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX is pushing to launch Starship from Cape Canaveral before end of 2026, with contractors ramping work at LC-39A.