Gaofen 4
Long March 3B/E
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
Rocket Launch Video
Mission
Gaofen 4
- Type: Earth Science
- Orbit: Geostationary Transfer Orbit
- Launch Cost: $70,000,000
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
Launch Complex 2 (LC-2) has witnessed the launch of 119 rockets, including 119 orbital launch attempts. While Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China, has been the site for 226 rocket launches.
The Xichang Satellite Launch Center is a spaceport in China. It is located in Zeyuan Town, northwest of Xichang, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan.
Rocket
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 3B/E
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.
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.
