Gaofen 4

Mission

Gaofen 4

Type: Earth Science

In geostationary orbit Gaofen 4 will monitor the Earth in the visible light and infrared regions, at a resolution of 50m and 400m respectively for near time civilian applications. The spacecraft is the 4th Gaofen series spacecraft to be launched in China’s High-Definition Earth Observation Satellite (HDEOS) program. The satellite weighs 4600kg, is powered by 2 solar arrays and has an expected lifetime of 8 years.

Location

Launch Complex 2 (LC-2)

Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China

101 rockets have launched from Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China.

Rocket

Long March 3

Length: 56.3 meters
Diameter: 3.35 meters
First Launch: May 13, 2007

The Long March 3B / E (G2) (CZ-3B / E) is one of the most successful medium-range launchers and the strongest variant of the CZ-3 series.
It was specially developed for the transport of heavy communications satellites into a geostationary transfer orbit.

The additional designation “E” stands for a higher payload fairing, stretched boosters and extended fuel tanks at the first stage, over the CZ-3B.

The Long March 3 rocket has been launched a total of 37 times with 36 successful and 1 failed launches.

Agency

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation

Type: Government
Abbreviation: CASC
Administration: Chairmen & President: Lei Fanpei
Founded: 1999
Launchers: Long March

Country: CHN

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.