Zhangheng-1 (CSES)
Long March 2D
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
Mission
Zhangheng-1 (CSES)
- Type: Planetary Science
- Orbit: Sun-Synchronous Orbit
- Launch Cost: $30,000,000
Zhangheng-1, also known as CSES (China Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite) is a scientific mission dedicated to studying the ionospheric precursors of earthquakes. Data collected by the mission will also allow studying solar-terrestrial interactions and phenomena of solar physics. This mission is a collaboration between China National Space Administration and the Italian Space Agency. CSES satellite weighs about 730 kg and it is to reside in a 98° sun-synchronous circular orbit at an altitude about 500 km, where it is expected to operate for 5 years.
Location
Launch Area 4 (SLS-2 / 603)
Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China
Launch Area 4 (SLS-2 / 603) has witnessed the launch of 116 rockets, including 116 orbital launch attempts, while Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China, has been the site for 232 rocket launches.
Rocket
Agency
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) is the main contractor for the Chinese space program. It is state-owned and has a number of subordinate entities which design, develop and manufacture a range of spacecraft, launch vehicles, strategic and tactical missile systems, and ground equipment. It was officially established in July 1999 as part of a Chinese government reform drive, having previously been one part of the former China Aerospace Corporation. Various incarnations of the program date back to 1956.