LKW Satellite Bus
Data current as of 2026-07-20.
The LKW bus accounts for 4 cataloged objects, of which 4 are in orbit and 4 are active. Most are built by CAST. The largest operator on this bus is ZLZB/GCDX. The first launched in 2017, the most recent in 2018.
4
In orbit
4
Active
4
Total launched
0
Reentered
LKW launched per year
Still in orbit Click a year to list its satellites.
Typical specifications
Most common values across cataloged LKW satellites.
| Manufacturer | CAST |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Earth observation |
| Launch mass | 2000 kg |
| Dry mass | 2000 kg |
| Length | 2 m |
| Diameter | 1.5 m |
| Span | 10 m |
| Shape | Hex cyl + 3 Pan |
| Power | 3 deployable fixed solar arrays, batteries |
| Typical orbit | 94 min period, 97° inclination |
Top operators
ZLZB/GCDX 4
Top countries
CN 4
LKW satellites
Track any of them live in KeepTrack.
| Name | NORAD | COSPAR | Owner | Launched | Orbit | Status | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LKW-4 Ludi Kancha Weixing si hao | 43236 | 2018-025A | ZLZB/GCDX | Mar 17, 2018 | 92 min, 97.6° | Active | ◉ |
| LKW-3 Ludi Kancha Weixing san hao | 43146 | 2018-006A | ZLZB/GCDX | Jan 13, 2018 | 94 min, 97.7° | Active | ◉ |
| LKW-2 Ludi Kancha Weixing er hao | 43080 | 2017-084A | ZLZB/GCDX | Dec 23, 2017 | 94 min, 97.1° | Active | ◉ |
| LKW-1 Ludi Kancha Weixing yi hao | 43034 | 2017-077A | ZLZB/GCDX | Dec 3, 2017 | 94 min, 97.1° | Active | ◉ |
Frequently asked questions
How many LKW satellites are there?
The catalog lists 4 objects built on the LKW bus. 4 are in orbit and 0 have reentered.
How many LKW satellites are in orbit?
4 LKW objects are currently in orbit, of which 4 carry an active status.
Who builds the LKW bus?
The LKW bus is most commonly built by CAST.
When did the first LKW satellite launch?
The first cataloged LKW satellite launched in 2017, and the most recent in 2018.