Zhixing 1C (59678)

COSPAR: 2024-085B | Alt Name: OBJECT B
DECAYED

Image
Zhixing 1C Satellite Image
Launch Details

Launch Date

January 1, 45419

Launch Site

Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center

Launch Pad

LC-9A

Launch Vehicle

Long March 6C

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

59678

International Designator

2024-085B

Decay Date

3/20/2026

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Basic Satellite Info

Name

Zhixing 1C

Alternative Name

OBJECT B

Type

Unknown

Status

Operational

Owner

Smart Satellite Technology

Country

China

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

Launched on May 7, 2024, aboard the maiden flight of the Long March 6C rocket.

Summary
The Zhixing 1C satellite is a Chinese Earth observation satellite designed for radar imaging. It was launched on May 7, 2024, aboard the maiden flight of the Long March 6C rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. The satellite is equipped with an X-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) payload that enables high-resolution imaging of the Earth's surface. The Zhixing 1C satellite has a box-shaped design with two panels, measuring 0.5 meters in length and 0.3 meters in diameter. It weighs approximately 50 kilograms at launch and is powered by an unspecified source. The mission of the satellite is to provide radar Earth observation services, allowing for high-resolution imaging and monitoring of the Earth's surface. The Zhixing 1C is a part of the Zhixing series of satellites, with Zhixing 1B being another related satellite in the constellation. The manufacturer of the satellite is Smart Satellite Technology, and it is owned by the same company.
Physical Characteristics

Length

0.5

Diameter

0.3

Span

1

Dry Mass

50

Launch Mass

50

Shape

Box with two panels

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

X-band SAR payload for high-resolution Earth imaging.

Purpose

To provide radar Earth observation services.

Mission

Earth observation using X-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology.

Manufacturer

Smart Satellite Technology

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

ZX-1B

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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