Maintained by:
| Launches In Date Order
The table lists all launches by China under the name Gaofen. They have used a range of different launch vehicles and have been launched from Jiuquan, Taiyuan and Xichang.
Gaofen satellites carry imaging sensors operating in a range of wavelengths from visible light to radar. They are government owned and have a mainly civilian application.
They operate in a range of orbits from Sun-synchronous LEO to GEO.
2013-018 CZ 2D Jiuquan Space Centre | 2013 Apr 26, 04:13 | Gaofen 1-01 2013-018A 39150 |
in space
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Remote sensing satellite with 1m resolution, possibly for cartography. It's name means "high resolution" in English. It will operate as part of a system to combine data from satellites in orbit with data from sensors flown within the atmosphere by aircraft and operating lifetime is expected to be 5-8 years. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | Desc Node Local Time | |
2013 May 02, 02:51 | 7020 | 0.0018 | 630 | 654 | 97.56 | 98.07 | 223 | 10:30 | | |
2014-049 CZ 4B Taiyuan Space Centre | 2014 Aug 19, 03:15 | |
in space
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Carries a high-resolution optical system. Gaofen 2 will support a civilian remote sensing programme based on LEO and GEO satellites. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | Desc Node Local Time | |
2014 Aug 19, 20:30 | 6998 | 0.0017 | 608 | 632 | 97.10 | 98.03 | 213 | 10:20 | | 2014 Aug 24, 04:12 | 7006 | 0.0011 | 620 | 636 | 97.26 | 98.02 | 212 | 10:20 | | |
2015-030 CZ 4B Taiyuan Space Centre | 2015 Jun 26, 06:02 | |
in space
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Carries a high-resolution optical system. It will support a remote sensing programme based on LEO and GEO satellites. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | Desc Node Local Time | |
2015 Jun 26, 10:51 | 6855 | 0.0007 | 471 | 481 | 94.13 | 97.30 | 243 | 13:30 | | 2015 Jun 30, 10:37 | 6867 | 0.0006 | 484 | 493 | 94.38 | 97.29 | 28 | 13:30 | | |
2015-047 CZ 2D Jiuquan Space Centre | 2015 Sep 14, 04:42 | Gaofen 9-01 2015-047A 40894 |
in space
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Carries a high-resolution optical system to support a remote sensing programme based on LEO and GEO satellites. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | Desc Node Local Time | |
2015 Sep 14, 20:25 | 7020 | 0.0033 | 619 | 665 | 97.56 | 98.01 | 245 | 10:59 | | |
2015-083 CZ 3B Xichang Space Centre | 2015 Dec 28, 16:04 | |
in space
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Earth observation satellite equipped with continuously-operating Earth imaging visible light and infrared sensors to be used, among other things, for 'hotspot detection' in relation to tracking tropical storms. With 50m resolution at visible wavelengths, ships the size of oil tankers will be distinguishable. Expected location near 110° east. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | GEO Longitude | |
2015 Dec 28, 18:06 | 24384 | 0.7300 | 205 | 35807 | 631.57 | 22.97 | 180 | | | 2016 Jan 07, 22:38 | 42164 | 0.0000 | 35784 | 35788 | 1436.08 | 0.58 | 20 | 106° east | | |
2016-049 CZ 4C Taiyuan Space Centre | 2016 Aug 9, 22:55 | Gaofen 3-01 2016-049A 41727 |
in space
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Carries an imaging Synthetic Aperture Radar with resolution of 1m. Gaofen 3 will support a civilian remote sensing programme based on LEO and GEO satellites. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | Desc Node Local Time | |
2016 Aug 10, 11:39 | 7119 | 0.0008 | 736 | 747 | 99.64 | 98.42 | 95 | 06:00 | | 2016 Aug 10, 13:18 | 7121 | 0.0008 | 737 | 748 | 99.67 | 98.42 | 90 | 06:00 | | 2016 Aug 11, 09:16 | 7129 | 0.0001 | 750 | 751 | 99.84 | 98.42 | 60 | 06:00 | | 2016 Aug 14, 02:12 | 7129 | 0.0001 | 751 | 752 | 99.85 | 98.42 | 99 | 06:00 | | 2021 Nov 21, 21:20 | 7129 | 0.0001 | 750 | 752 | 99.85 | 98.41 | 113 | 06:04 | | 2022 Apr 07, 03:32 | 7129 | 0.0002 | 750 | 752 | 99.85 | 98.41 | 107 | 06:04 | | |
2016-F01 - failed to reach orbit CZ 4C Taiyuan Space Centre | 2016 Aug 31, 18:55 | |
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Remote sensing satellite to be used for land use surveys, urban planning, road network design, crop estimation and disaster prevention/mitigation, part of a remote sensing programme based on LEO and GEO satellites. Intended for Sun-synchronous orbit with LTDN near 02:00 but lost when the launch vehicle third stage failed. |
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2018-031 CZ 4C Taiyuan Space Centre | 2018 Mar 31, 03:22 | Gaofen 1-02 2018-031A 43259 |
in space
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Remote sensing satellite with 1m resolution, possibly for cartography. It's name means "high resolution" in English. It will operate as part of a system to combine data from satellites in orbit with data from sensors flown within the atmosphere by aircraft and operating lifetime is expected to be 5-8 years. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | Desc Node Local Time | |
2018 Apr 02, 00:21 | 7019 | 0.0003 | 639 | 643 | 97.54 | 98.04 | 268 | 10:30 | | | Gaofen 1-03 2018-031B 43260 |
in space
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Remote sensing satellite with 1m resolution, possibly for cartography. It's name means "high resolution" in English. It will operate as part of a system to combine data from satellites in orbit with data from sensors flown within the atmosphere by aircraft and operating lifetime is expected to be 5-8 years. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | Desc Node Local Time | |
2018 Apr 02, 01:58 | 7018 | 0.0003 | 638 | 642 | 97.52 | 98.04 | 283 | 10:30 | | 2018 Apr 29, 04:11 | 7016 | 0.0006 | 634 | 642 | 97.47 | 98.03 | 207 | 10:31 | | | Gaofen 1-04 2018-031D 43262 |
in space
|
Remote sensing satellite with 1m resolution, possibly for cartography. It's name means "high resolution" in English. It will operate as part of a system to combine data from satellites in orbit with data from sensors flown within the atmosphere by aircraft and operating lifetime is expected to be 5-8 years. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | Desc Node Local Time | |
2018 Apr 02, 01:59 | 7019 | 0.0004 | 639 | 644 | 97.54 | 98.04 | 262 | 10:30 | | 2018 Apr 29, 03:25 | 7022 | 0.0006 | 640 | 648 | 97.60 | 98.03 | 120 | 10:31 | | |
2018-043 CZ 4C Taiyuan Space Centre | 2018 May 8, 18:28 | Gaofen 5-01 2018-043A 43461 |
in space
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Environmental satellite with multi-spectral imaging equipment and detectors for greenhouse gasses, infrared radiation and trace gasses. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | Desc Node Local Time | |
2018 May 09, 18:32 | 7062 | 0.0010 | 677 | 692 | 98.45 | 98.12 | 86 | 01:36 | | 2018 May 12, 22:10 | 7079 | 0.0001 | 700 | 701 | 98.78 | 98.12 | 177 | 01:36 | | 2021 Sep 03, 12:53 | 7078 | 0.0003 | 698 | 702 | 98.78 | 98.23 | 90 | 01:25 | | |
2018-063 CZ 4B Taiyuan Space Centre | 2018 Jul 31, 03:00 | Gaofen 11-01 2018-063A 43585 |
in space
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Chinese remote sensing imaging satellite operating at optical wavelengths. Attained sun-synchronous orbit 2019 April, nine months after launch. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | Desc Node Local Time | |
2018 Jul 31, 09:19 | 6849 | 0.0326 | 247 | 694 | 94.01 | 97.43 | 171 | 10:09 | | 2018 Aug 14, 22:01 | 6841 | 0.0325 | 241 | 685 | 93.86 | 97.43 | 120 | 10:11 | | 2019 Apr 10, 09:24 | 6759 | 0.0205 | 242 | 519 | 92.16 | 97.38 | 328 | 10:50 | | 2019 Apr 11, 07:06 | 6809 | 0.0132 | 341 | 521 | 93.19 | 97.38 | 323 | 10:50 | | 2019 Apr 13, 18:38 | 6870 | 0.0021 | 478 | 506 | 94.46 | 97.42 | 289 | 10:50 | | |
2019-066 CZ 4C Taiyuan Space Centre | 2019 Oct 4, 18:51 | |
in space
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Remote sensing satellite to be used for land use surveys, urban planning, road network design, crop estimation and disaster prevention/mitigation, part of a remote sensing programme based on LEO and GEO satellites. Replaces the original Gaofen 10 that was lost in a launch failure 2016 Aug 31. An unspecified issue on Oct 2 caused 24 hr launch postponement from Oct 3. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | Desc Node Local Time | |
2019 Oct 05, 04:01 | 6995 | 0.0007 | 612 | 622 | 97.04 | 97.78 | 252 | 01:59 | | 2019 Oct 11, 23:54 | 7003 | 0.0004 | 622 | 628 | 97.21 | 97.77 | 16 | 01:59 | | 2019 Oct 13, 03:03 | 7006 | 0.0000 | 628 | 628 | 97.27 | 97.78 | 262 | 01:59 | | |
2019-072 CZ 4B Taiyuan Space Centre | 2019 Nov 3, 03:22 | |
in space
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Civilian high resolution stereoscopic Earth imaging satellite for mapping. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | Desc Node Local Time | |
2019 Nov 04, 23:00 | 6875 | 0.0013 | 488 | 506 | 94.55 | 97.49 | 266 | 10:31 | | 2019 Nov 30, 19:25 | 6880 | 0.0011 | 495 | 510 | 94.66 | 97.49 | 155 | 10:32 | | |
2019-082 CZ 4C Taiyuan Space Centre | 2019 Nov 27, 23:52 | Gaofen 12-01 2019-082A 44819 |
in space
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Earth observation using radar to support land surveys, crop management, urban and road network planning. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | Desc Node Local Time | |
2019 Nov 28, 04:09 | 6975 | 0.0004 | 594 | 599 | 96.62 | 97.93 | 252 | 07:00 | | 2019 Nov 29, 13:10 | 6993 | 0.0002 | 613 | 616 | 96.99 | 97.93 | 172 | 07:00 | | 2019 Nov 30, 13:16 | 7003 | 0.0004 | 623 | 628 | 97.21 | 97.94 | 349 | 07:00 | | 2019 Dec 01, 19:29 | 7007 | 0.0001 | 628 | 630 | 97.28 | 97.93 | 74 | 07:00 | | |
2020-034 CZ 2D Jiuquan Space Centre | 2020 May 31, 08:53 | Gaofen 9-02 2020-034A 45624 |
in space
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Carries a high-resolution optical system to support a remote sensing programme based on LEO and GEO satellites. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | Desc Node Local Time | |
2020 May 31, 23:13 | 6871 | 0.0012 | 485 | 501 | 94.47 | 97.28 | 279 | 15:14 | | |
2020-039 CZ 2D Jiuquan Space Centre | 2020 Jun 17, 07:19 | Gaofen 9-03 2020-039A 45794 |
in space
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Carries a high-resolution optical system to support a remote sensing programme based on LEO and GEO satellites. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | Desc Node Local Time | |
2020 Jun 17, 21:29 | 6873 | 0.0012 | 487 | 503 | 94.52 | 97.32 | 263 | 13:39 | | 2020 Jun 20, 07:39 | 6870 | 0.0016 | 481 | 503 | 94.46 | 97.32 | 272 | 13:39 | | 2020 Jul 29, 16:56 | 6873 | 0.0014 | 485 | 504 | 94.51 | 97.32 | 127 | 13:38 | | |
2020-042 CZ 4B Taiyuan Space Centre | 2020 Jul 3, 03:10 | Gaofen Multi-mode 1 2020-042A 45856 |
in space
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Carries an extremely high resolution, multi-spectral Earth imaging satellite to support a remote sensing programme based on LEO and GEO satellites. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | Desc Node Local Time | |
2020 Jul 03, 06:18 | 7018 | 0.0013 | 631 | 649 | 97.51 | 98.01 | 267 | 10:26 | | |
2020-054 CZ 2D Jiuquan Space Centre | 2020 Aug 6, 04:01 | Gaofen 9-04 2020-054A 46025 |
in space
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Carries a high-resolution optical system to support a remote sensing programme based on LEO and GEO satellites. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | Desc Node Local Time | |
2020 Aug 06, 10:25 | 6874 | 0.0014 | 486 | 506 | 94.53 | 97.48 | 259 | 10:22 | | 2020 Aug 09, 04:23 | 6875 | 0.0014 | 487 | 507 | 94.55 | 97.47 | 238 | 10:22 | | 2020 Aug 28, 21:19 | 6874 | 0.0015 | 485 | 505 | 94.52 | 97.47 | 173 | 10:22 | | |
2020-058 CZ 2D Jiuquan Space Centre | 2020 Aug 23, 02:27 | Gaofen 9-05 2020-058A 46232 |
in space
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Carries a high-resolution optical system to support a remote sensing programme based on LEO and GEO satellites. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | Desc Node Local Time | |
2020 Aug 23, 11:54 | 6874 | 0.0015 | 485 | 506 | 94.53 | 97.50 | 259 | 08:47 | | 2020 Aug 26, 02:48 | 6872 | 0.0016 | 483 | 505 | 94.49 | 97.50 | 255 | 08:47 | | |
2020-064 CZ 4B Taiyuan Space Centre | 2020 Sep 7, 05:57 | Gaofen 11-02 2020-064A 46396 |
in space
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Chinese remote sensing imaging satellite operating at optical wavelengths. Initially operating in elliptical orbit with low perigee. 2021 Mar 16 it commenced thruster firings to produce a circular orbit. Its predecessor, Gaofen 11 01 (43585/2018-063A), performed a similar mission. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | Desc Node Local Time | |
2020 Sep 07, 11:59 | 6849 | 0.0325 | 248 | 693 | 94.02 | 97.33 | 171 | 13:06 | | 2020 Sep 11, 21:16 | 6845 | 0.0328 | 242 | 691 | 93.92 | 97.33 | 155 | 13:06 | | 2020 Sep 21, 22:25 | 6841 | 0.0324 | 241 | 684 | 93.84 | 97.33 | 119 | 13:07 | | 2020 Nov 07, 13:57 | 6824 | 0.0299 | 242 | 650 | 93.50 | 97.33 | 311 | 13:09 | | 2021 Feb 08, 05:57 | 6781 | 0.0246 | 236 | 570 | 92.63 | 97.33 | 333 | 13:20 | | 2021 Mar 15, 16:02 | 6765 | 0.0226 | 234 | 539 | 92.29 | 97.33 | 201 | 13:26 | | 2021 Mar 19, 08:42 | 6875 | 0.0064 | 453 | 541 | 94.55 | 97.43 | 283 | 13:26 | | 2021 Mar 21, 04:50 | 6873 | 0.0001 | 494 | 496 | 94.51 | 97.33 | 102 | 13:26 | | |
2020-071 CZ 3B Xichang Space Centre | 2020 Oct 11, 16:57 | |
in space
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Chinese optical remote sensing satellite. Probably entered geosynchronous drift orbit around 21:30 UTC on day of launch. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | GEO Longitude | |
2020 Oct 11, 19:19 | 24388 | 0.7310 | 183 | 35836 | 631.71 | 28.53 | 180 | | | 2020 Oct 20, 15:50 | 42165 | 0.0003 | 35775 | 35799 | 1436.13 | 1.98 | 282 | 118° east | | |
2020-092 CZ 3B Xichang Space Centre | 2020 Dec 6, 03:58 | |
in space
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High definition imaging satellite equipped with cameras for stereo views and mapping. First Xichang launch to sun-synchronous orbit since 2004. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | Desc Node Local Time | |
2020 Dec 06, 22:47 | 6867 | 0.0010 | 481 | 496 | 94.38 | 97.36 | 269 | 10:30 | | |
2021-026 CZ 4C Jiuquan Space Centre | 2021 Mar 30, 22:45 | Gaofen 12-02 2021-026A 48079 |
in space
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Earth observation using radar to support land surveys, crop management, urban and road network planning. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | Desc Node Local Time | |
2021 Mar 31, 04:39 | 6975 | 0.0005 | 594 | 600 | 96.62 | 97.87 | 250 | 05:00 | | 2021 Apr 08, 01:36 | 6985 | 0.0002 | 606 | 608 | 96.83 | 97.86 | 218 | 05:01 | | 2021 Apr 08, 10:02 | 6996 | 0.0013 | 609 | 627 | 97.05 | 97.86 | 334 | 05:01 | | 2021 Apr 08, 19:00 | 7006 | 0.0003 | 625 | 630 | 97.26 | 97.86 | 116 | 05:01 | | |
2021-079 CZ 4C Taiyuan Space Centre | 2021 Sep 7, 03:01 | Gaofen 5-02 2021-079A 49122 |
in space
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Environmental satellite with multi-spectral imaging equipment and detectors for greenhouse gasses, infrared radiation and trace gasses. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | Desc Node Local Time | |
2021 Sep 07, 13:57 | 7064 | 0.0009 | 680 | 692 | 98.47 | 98.28 | 254 | 10:20 | | 2021 Sep 08, 19:31 | 7070 | 0.0005 | 688 | 695 | 98.60 | 98.29 | 275 | 10:20 | | 2021 Sep 10, 16:39 | 7077 | 0.0019 | 685 | 712 | 98.74 | 98.24 | 314 | 10:19 | | 2021 Sep 11, 21:37 | 7079 | 0.0001 | 700 | 701 | 98.79 | 98.28 | 20 | 10:20 | | |
2021-107 CZ 4B Taiyuan Space Centre | 2021 Nov 20, 01:51 | Gaofen 11-03 2021-107A 49492 |
in space
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Chinese remote sensing imaging satellite operating at optical wavelengths. Initially operating in elliptical orbit with low perigee. Orbit expected to circularise at about 500 km after 5-6 months for mission phase 2. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | Desc Node Local Time | |
2021 Nov 20, 06:19 | 6849 | 0.0328 | 246 | 696 | 94.02 | 97.45 | 171 | 09:00 | | 2022 Mar 05, 05:52 | 6786 | 0.0254 | 235 | 580 | 92.71 | 97.44 | 151 | 09:15 | | |
2021-109 CZ 4C Jiuquan Space Centre | 2021 Nov 22, 23:45 | Gaofen 3-02 2021-109A 49495 |
in space
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Earth imaging satellite equipped with a Synthetic Aperture Radar with resolution of 1m. Sun-synchronous orbit plane matched to Gaofen 3-01 (2016-049A). The two satellites will work together observing targets mainly on the Earth's sea/ocean surface. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | Desc Node Local Time | |
2021 Nov 23, 04:11 | 7120 | 0.0006 | 738 | 745 | 99.64 | 98.42 | 238 | 06:00 | | 2021 Nov 24, 15:05 | 7123 | 0.0003 | 743 | 747 | 99.71 | 98.41 | 227 | 06:00 | | 2022 Apr 07, 02:40 | 7129 | 0.0001 | 750 | 752 | 99.85 | 98.42 | 87 | 06:00 | | |
2022-035 CZ 4C Jiuquan Space Centre | 2022 Apr 6, 23:47 | Gaofen 3-03 2022-035A 52200 |
in space
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Earth imaging satellite equipped with a Synthetic Aperture Radar with resolution of 1m. Sun-synchronous orbit plane matched to its predecessors. The satellites will work together observing targets mainly on the Earth's sea/ocean surface. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | Desc Node Local Time | |
2022 Apr 07, 04:13 | 7120 | 0.0005 | 738 | 745 | 99.64 | 98.40 | 271 | 06:02 | | |
Page date: 2022 Mar 15
Orbits updated: 2022 Apr 07
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