# FSW-0 3

> Chinese reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q16322491](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16322491)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/fsw-0-3

## Summary
FSW-0 3 is a Chinese reconnaissance satellite that was launched in 1978 as part of China's Fanhui Shi Weixing (FSW) program, designed for intelligence and military applications.

## Key Facts
- Launched on January 26, 1978 from Jiuquan Launch Area 2B using a Long March 2C rocket
- Had a launch weight of 1810 kilograms
- Dimensions: 3.144 meters in height and 2.200 meters in diameter
- Part of the Fanhui Shi Weixing-0 series of Chinese reconnaissance satellites
- Manufactured by the China Association for Science and Technology
- COSPAR and NSSDC identifiers: 1978-011A
- In orbit until January 29, 1978 when it experienced atmospheric entry

## FAQs
### Q: What is FSW-0 3?
A: FSW-0 3 is a Chinese reconnaissance satellite that was launched in 1978 as part of China's FSW program, designed for intelligence and military applications.

### Q: When was it launched?
A: It was launched on January 26, 1978 at 05:00 from Jiuquan Launch Area 2B.

### Q: What was its purpose?
A: It was designed to covertly collect data for intelligence or military applications.

### Q: What was its weight and dimensions?
A: It had a launch weight of 1810 kg, was 3.144 meters tall, and had a diameter of 2.200 meters.

### Q: What happened to it after launch?
A: It was in orbit until January 29, 1978 when it experienced atmospheric entry.

## Why It Matters
FSW-0 3 represents an important milestone in China's development of reconnaissance satellites. As part of the first generation of Chinese reconnaissance satellites under the FSW program, it contributed to China's growing capabilities in military and intelligence gathering from space. The satellite's launch and operation demonstrated China's ability to develop and deploy orbital reconnaissance systems, which was crucial for national security and military planning. The program helped China establish a foundation for its modern space-based intelligence capabilities.

## Notable For
- It was the third satellite in China's FSW reconnaissance program, following FSW-0 2
- It was launched using China's Long March 2C rocket, a significant orbital carrier vehicle
- It had a relatively short operational lifespan, with atmospheric entry occurring just three days after launch
- It was manufactured by the China Association for Science and Technology, a key Chinese space organization
- It carried multiple aliases including FSW 3, Jianbing-1 3, JB-1 3, China 8, Mao 8, and PRC 8

## Body
### Technical Specifications
The FSW-0 3 satellite had a launch weight of 1810 kilograms, with dimensions of 3.144 meters in height and 2.200 meters in diameter. It was manufactured by the China Association for Science and Technology.

### Launch and Orbit
FSW-0 3 was launched on January 26, 1978 at 05:00 from the Jiuquan Launch Area 2B using a Long March 2C rocket. The satellite was identified by COSPAR and NSSDC as 1978-011A. It was part of the Fanhui Shi Weixing-0 program, which was China's first class of reconnaissance satellites.

### Operational History
The satellite was in orbit until January 29, 1978 when it experienced atmospheric entry. This relatively short operational period was typical for early reconnaissance satellites, which often had limited fuel and operational capabilities.

### Classification and Purpose
As a reconnaissance satellite, FSW-0 3 was designed to covertly collect data for intelligence or military applications. It was classified as part of the Fanhui Shi Weixing-0 series, which represented China's initial efforts in space-based reconnaissance.

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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/fsw-0.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA310527.pdf)
4. [Source](https://www.go-taikonauts.com/images/newsletters_PDF/GoTaikonauts6.pdf)