Tianhui 1-02 (TH 1B)

Spacecraft nº:

Chinese spacecraft nº: 183

Launch data: Designation  38256 / 12020A Launch date  06 May 2012 - 07:10 UT Launch site  Jiuquan, SLS-2 Launch vehicle  CZ-2D Mission  Government: Earth observation, Imaging LEO Earth orbit: Perigee / Apogee  490 x 506 km Eccentricity  1,16E-03 Inclination  97.37 deg Period  94.58 min

Spacecraft data:

Description:

• TH 1 (TianHui-1 = "Sky drawing") is a chinese Cartographic imaging satellite capable of stereoscopic Earth photography, equipped with orbit adjustment engine to maintain height against air drag.
• TIANHUI 1B was designed for scientific research, land resource surveys and mapping. The satellite was developed and produced under the auspices of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp., or CASC, China's primary launch vehicle and satellie contractor. The satellite is equipped with a three- dimensional survey camera and a CCD camera with a ground resolution of 5 meters and an angle of 25 degrees. A multi-spectrum camera with a ground resolution of 10 meters is also onboard. The cameras form an image of 60 kilometres wide. Remote sensing data and test results from Tianhui 1B will play an active role in China's scientific research and national economic development.

Mission details:

• On May 6, 2012 the satellite 'Tianhui yihao 02 xing' (Mapping-1 Sat 02) was launched from Jiuquan space center by a Chang Zheng 2D launch vehicle into a 490 x 506 km x 97.4 deg sun-synchronous orbit with a 13:30 local time descending node. Its elder sibling TH 1-01 in an orbit with approximately the same local time.
• The CZ-2D second stage was not cataloged and probably was deorbited on the first Earth revolution.
• TH 1-02, called Tianhui-1B by Western sources, carries visibile-band mapping cameras with 5m resolution.