# ChinaSat 20 > 28082 **Wikidata**: [Q111497471](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111497471) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/chinasat-20 ## Summary ChinaSat 20 is an artificial satellite identified by the code 28082. As a human-made object placed into orbit, it belongs to the broader classification of spacecraft designed to orbit celestial bodies for purposes such as communication, navigation, or scientific observation. ## Key Facts * **Entity Code:** 28082 (also represented as `Entity["Satellite", "28082"]` in Wolfram Language). * **Classification:** Instance of an **artificial satellite**. * **Category:** Subclass of **spacecraft**. * **Definition:** A human-made object put into an orbit around a celestial body (typically Earth). * **Primary Functions (Class):** Communication, navigation, scientific research, and military applications. * **Orbital Capabilities (Class):** Can occupy geostationary, low Earth orbit (LEO), or heliocentric orbits. * **Historical Context (Class):** Belongs to a category of technology initiated by Sputnik 1 in 1957. ## FAQs ### What is ChinaSat 20? ChinaSat 20 is an artificial satellite, defined as a human-made object placed into orbit. It is technically classified as a spacecraft and is identified by the specific entity code 28082. ### How is an artificial satellite like ChinaSat 20 defined? An artificial satellite is specifically engineered to operate in space and is designed to orbit a celestial body, such as the Earth. This distinguishes it from other spacecraft like probes or crewed vehicles that may not maintain a consistent orbit. ### What are the standard orbital types for satellites in this class? Satellites of this class generally operate in geostationary orbits (remaining fixed over a point on Earth), low Earth orbit (LEO), or heliocentric orbits (around the Sun). ## Why It Matters As an artificial satellite, ChinaSat 20 represents a critical component of modern space infrastructure. Artificial satellites serve as the backbone for global communication, navigation systems (GPS), and internet connectivity. They enable real-time weather monitoring and support military operations through secure communications and surveillance. The existence of satellites like ChinaSat 20 continues the legacy of the space age, which began in 1957, allowing humanity to overcome geographical limitations for data transmission and environmental observation. ## Notable For * **Spacecraft Classification:** Distinguished as a specialized craft engineered to operate within the vacuum of space. * **Orbital Mechanics:** Represents the application of orbital dynamics, maintaining flight through a balance of gravity and forward velocity. * **Technological Lineage:** Part of the evolution of satellite technology that includes miniaturized variants like femtosatellites and complex constellations. ## Body ### Definition and Classification ChinaSat 20 is an **artificial satellite**, a classification for human-made objects placed into orbit around celestial bodies, most commonly the Earth. It falls under the broader category of **spacecraft**. While specific mission details are defined by its code 28082, generally, objects in this class are designed to perform tasks such as communication, navigation, scientific research, or military surveillance. Unlike probes or crewed vehicles, the primary design characteristic of an artificial satellite is its ability to maintain a sustained orbit. ### Orbital Characteristics and Mechanics Satellites of this nature maintain their trajectory through a balance of gravitational pull and forward velocity, which creates centrifugal force to counteract gravity. Depending on their specific mission design, they may occupy different orbital regimes: * **Geostationary Orbit:** Allows the satellite to remain fixed over a specific point on Earth. * **Low Earth Orbit (LEO):** Used typically for communication and Earth observation. * **Heliocentric Orbit:** An orbit around the Sun, though less common for Earth-designated assets. ### Historical and Technological Context ChinaSat 20 operates within a technological framework established by the Space Age. The concept of the artificial satellite was realized by the Soviet Union with the launch of **Sputnik 1** on October 4, 1957. Since then, satellite technology has diversified into various forms including: * **Passive Satellites:** Such as Project Echo (1960), which reflected signals. * **Tethered Satellites:** Connected by cables to other objects. * **Miniaturized Satellites:** Including femtosatellites and picosatellites weighing less than 1 kg. ### Applications and Ecosystem As an artificial satellite, ChinaSat 20 is part of a global ecosystem that enables essential modern infrastructure. This includes serving as a backbone for television, internet, and telephony. The **Global Positioning System (GPS)** relies entirely on satellite constellations of this type. Furthermore, satellites play a vital role in military applications; for example, the French **Syracuse 4** and Russian **Gonets-M** constellations demonstrate the strategic importance of such assets for secure communications. ### Challenges and Sustainability The operation of satellites like ChinaSat 20 occurs in an environment increasingly challenged by **space debris**. Defunct satellites and fragments pose collision risks to operational spacecraft. The industry addresses these issues through the development of space debris removal satellites and improved management of orbital congestion to ensure the sustainability of the space environment.