DFH-4E Satellite Bus
Data current as of 2026-07-20.
The DFH-4E bus accounts for 3 cataloged objects, of which 3 are in orbit and 3 are active. Most are built by CAST. The largest operator on this bus is APTS. The first launched in 2020, the most recent in 2025.
3
In orbit
3
Active
3
Total launched
0
Reentered
DFH-4E launched per year
Still in orbit Click a year to list its satellites.
Typical specifications
Most common values across cataloged DFH-4E satellites.
| Manufacturer | CAST |
|---|---|
| Purpose | ? |
| Launch mass | 5000 kg |
| Dry mass | 2500 kg |
| Length | 5 m |
| Diameter | 2.5 m |
| Span | 30 m |
| Shape | Box + 2 Pan |
| Power | 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries |
| Propulsion | DFH-4 LAE |
| Design life | 15 years |
| Equipment | Ka-band high throughput communications payload |
| Typical orbit | 1436 min period, 0° inclination |
Top operators
APTS 1 CAST 1 ZLZB 1
Top countries
CN 2 PRC 1
DFH-4E satellites
Track any of them live in KeepTrack.
| Name | NORAD | COSPAR | Owner | Launched | Orbit | Status | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHINASAT-9C | 64470 | 2025-132A | CAST | Jun 20, 2025 | 1436 min, 0.0° | Active | ◉ |
| SHIJIAN-23 (SJ-23) Shi Jian 23 | 55131 | 2023-002A | ZLZB | Jan 8, 2023 | 1439 min, 3.8° | Active | ◉ |
| APSTAR-6D Apstar 6D | 45863 | 2020-045A | APTS | Jul 9, 2020 | 1436 min, 0.0° | Active | ◉ |
Frequently asked questions
How many DFH-4E satellites are there?
The catalog lists 3 objects built on the DFH-4E bus. 3 are in orbit and 0 have reentered.
How many DFH-4E satellites are in orbit?
3 DFH-4E objects are currently in orbit, of which 3 carry an active status.
Who builds the DFH-4E bus?
The DFH-4E bus is most commonly built by CAST.
When did the first DFH-4E satellite launch?
The first cataloged DFH-4E satellite launched in 2020, and the most recent in 2025.