Space Brief 23 Dec 2025
Today's briefing covers the Long March 12A's first launch, a major advance in space radio communication, and highlights from key military developments impacting space operations.
Launch Date
March 20, 2024
Launch Site
WSC
Launch Pad
LC201
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 8
NORAD ID
59279
International Designator
2024-051D
Decay Date
Unknown
Name
TIANDU-2
Alternative Name
Tiandu-2
Type
Status
Owner
SKTSS
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
0.3
Diameter
0.1
Span
0.3
Dry Mass
15
Launch Mass
15
Shape
Box
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Tiandu-2
Purpose
Lunar Orbiter, communications, navigation
Mission
Lunar Orbiter, communications, navigation
Manufacturer
SKTSS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Tiandu-2
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
?
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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