# FSW-0 9

> Chinese reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q114110983](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q114110983)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/fsw-0-9

## Summary
FSW-0 9 is a Chinese reconnaissance satellite launched on August 5, 1987, as part of the Fanhui Shi Weixing-0 (FSW-0) program. It was developed by the China Association for Science and Technology and launched aboard a Long March 2C rocket from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The satellite had a launch mass of 1,810 kilograms and a diameter of 2.2 meters.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Reconnaissance satellite (used for intelligence or military applications)
- **Part of**: Fanhui Shi Weixing-0 (FSW-0) program, China's first class of reconnaissance satellites
- **Launch date**: August 5, 1987, at 06:39 UTC
- **Launch site**: Jiuquan Launch Area 2B, China
- **Launch vehicle**: Long March 2C (Y6 variant)
- **Manufacturer**: China Association for Science and Technology (founded 1958)
- **Mass**: 1,810 kg (launch weight)
- **Dimensions**: 3.144 meters tall, 2.2 meters in diameter
- **Decay**: Atmospheric entry on August 10, 1987
- **Aliases**: FSW 9, JB-1 9, Jianbing-1 9, PRC 20

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of FSW-0 9?
A: FSW-0 9 was a Chinese reconnaissance satellite designed to covertly collect data for intelligence or military applications, as part of the FSW-0 program.

### Q: Who built FSW-0 9?
A: The satellite was developed by the China Association for Science and Technology, a government-affiliated organization founded in 1958.

### Q: When and where was FSW-0 9 launched?
A: FSW-0 9 was launched on August 5, 1987, at 06:39 UTC from Jiuquan Launch Area 2B in China.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for FSW-0 9?
A: The satellite was launched aboard a Long March 2C rocket, specifically the Y6 variant.

### Q: How long did FSW-0 9 remain in orbit?
A: FSW-0 9 reentered Earth's atmosphere on August 10, 1987, just five days after launch.

## Why It Matters
FSW-0 9 was a significant milestone in China's early space program, marking the country's first operational reconnaissance satellite. Launched during a period of heightened Cold War tensions, it demonstrated China's growing capability in space-based intelligence gathering. The satellite's brief operational life highlighted the challenges of maintaining satellites in orbit, as well as the rapid advancements in China's space technology. While FSW-0 9 was not as advanced as later reconnaissance satellites, it laid the groundwork for future developments in China's space program.

## Notable For
- **First Chinese reconnaissance satellite**: Part of the FSW-0 program, China's first class of reconnaissance satellites.
- **Short operational life**: Reentered Earth's atmosphere just five days after launch, a common issue for early satellites.
- **Cold War-era significance**: Launched during a period of heightened geopolitical tensions, reflecting China's growing role in space.
- **Developed by state organization**: Built by the China Association for Science and Technology, a key government-affiliated entity in China's space efforts.

## Body
### Overview
FSW-0 9 was a reconnaissance satellite launched by China in 1987 as part of the Fanhui Shi Weixing-0 (FSW-0) program. It was developed by the China Association for Science and Technology, a government-affiliated organization responsible for China's early space efforts.

### Launch Details
- **Date**: August 5, 1987, at 06:39 UTC.
- **Site**: Jiuquan Launch Area 2B, China.
- **Vehicle**: Long March 2C (Y6 variant).

### Satellite Specifications
- **Mass**: 1,810 kg (launch weight).
- **Dimensions**: 3.144 meters tall, 2.2 meters in diameter.
- **Decay**: Reentered Earth's atmosphere on August 10, 1987.

### Program Context
- **Part of**: Fanhui Shi Weixing-0 (FSW-0), China's first class of reconnaissance satellites.
- **Aliases**: FSW 9, JB-1 9, Jianbing-1 9, PRC 20.

### Significance
FSW-0 9 was a key development in China's early space program, demonstrating the country's capability in reconnaissance satellite technology. Its brief operational life reflected the challenges of maintaining satellites in orbit during the 1980s. The satellite's launch occurred during a period of heightened Cold War tensions, underscoring China's growing role in space-based intelligence gathering.

## 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)