Gaofen 1 (Chinese: 高分一号; pinyin: Gāofēn Yī hào; lit. 'high resolution - number 1') is a Chinese high-resolution Earth observation satellite, and the first of the Gaofen series satellites.

Gaofen 1
Mission typeEarth observation
OperatorChina National Space Administration (CNSA)
COSPAR ID2013-018A Edit this at Wikidata
SATCAT no.39150
Mission duration5~8 years
Spacecraft properties
BusCAST-2000
ManufacturerChina Association for Science and Technology (CAST)
Launch mass1,080 kilograms (2,380 pounds)
Power1278 watts
Start of mission
Launch date26 April 2013, 04:13:00 UTC
RocketLong March-2D
Launch siteJiuquan Satellite Launch Center, LA-4
ContractorChina Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT)
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit
RegimeSun-synchronous orbit
Perigee altitude625.3 kilometers (388.5 miles)
Apogee altitude651.2 kilometers (404.6 miles)
Inclination98.05°
Period97.5 minutes
Transponders
BandS-band
C-band
X-band
Gaofen

History

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The civilian CHEOS (China High-resolution Earth Observation System) satellite program was proposed in 2006 and received approval in 2010. Gaofen 1 was the first of six planned CHEOS spacecraft for being launched between 2013 and 2016.[1] The satellite's primary goal is to provide near real time observations for disaster prevention and relief, climate change monitoring, geographical mapping, environmental and resource surveying as well as precision agriculture support.[2]

Subsequently, over twelve satellites were launched in the Gaofen series, with varying optical, infrared and radar imaging capabilities. They are managed by civilians.[1]

Launch

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Gaofen 1 was launched on 26 April 2013 at 04:13 UTC with a Long March 2D carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center along with the three small experimental satellites: TurkSat-3USat (Turkey), CubeBug 1 (Argentina) and NEE-01 Pegaso (Ecuador) in a Sun-synchronous orbit.[2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "China launches another Gaofen Earth observation satellite". Spaceflight Now. 8 September 2020. Retrieved 9 September 2020.
  2. ^ a b "GF-1 (Gaofen-1) High-resolution Imaging Satellite". eoPortal Directory. Retrieved 26 August 2014.