# FSW-2 2

> Chinese reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q114110991](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q114110991)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/fsw-2-2

## Summary  
FSW-2 2 is a Chinese reconnaissance satellite launched on July 3, 1994, as part of the Fanhui Shi Weixing-2 program. It was designed for covert data collection, supporting intelligence or military applications, and decayed from orbit on July 18, 1994.  

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: July 3, 1994, at 08:00 UTC.  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Long March 2D (Y2 variant), from Jiuquan Launch Area 2B.  
- **Manufacturer**: China Association for Science and Technology.  
- **Mass**: 2,760 kg (launch weight).  
- **Dimensions**: 4.644 meters in height, 2.2 meters in diameter.  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1994-037A.  
- **Orbital Decay**: Re-entered Earth's atmosphere on July 18, 1994.  
- **Aliases**: FSW 16, JB-1B 2, Jianbing-1B 2.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the primary mission of FSW-2 2?  
A: FSW-2 2 was a reconnaissance satellite tasked with covertly collecting data for intelligence or military purposes, likely conducting photographic surveillance.  

### Q: How long did FSW-2 2 remain in orbit?  
A: The satellite decayed after 15 days, re-entering the atmosphere on July 18, 1994.  

### Q: Who built and launched FSW-2 2?  
A: It was manufactured by the China Association for Science and Technology and launched via a Long March 2D rocket from Jiuquan Launch Area 2B.  

## Why It Matters  
FSW-2 2 represents a key component of China’s early reconnaissance satellite efforts under the Fanhui Shi Weixing (FSW) program. These satellites played a critical role in advancing China’s military and technological capabilities, enabling the recovery of film capsules for intelligence analysis. As part of the FSW-2 class, this satellite contributed to China’s strategic surveillance infrastructure, reflecting broader investments in space-based reconnaissance during the 1990s. Its short orbital lifespan and recovery mechanism underscored the program’s focus on rapid data retrieval, a hallmark of Cold War-era satellite design.  

## Notable For  
- **Class Membership**: Third class of FSW satellites (FSW-2), designed for recoverable reconnaissance missions.  
- **Rocket Variant**: Utilized the Long March 2D Y2 launch vehicle, a reliable Chinese orbital carrier rocket.  
- **Short Orbital Duration**: decayed just 15 days after launch, typical of recoverable satellites retrieving physical film.  
- **Recovery Mechanism**: Employed a film capsule return system, enabling direct retrieval of intelligence data.  

## Body  
### Launch and Deployment  
FSW-2 2 launched on July 3, 1994, at 08:00 UTC from Jiuquan Launch Area 2B aboard a Long March 2D Y2 rocket. The mission marked a continuation of China’s FSW program, focused on recoverable satellites for military reconnaissance.  

### Physical Characteristics  
- **Mass**: 2,760 kg at launch.  
- **Dimensions**: 4.644 meters in height and 2.2 meters in diameter.  

### Mission Profile  
The satellite operated for 15 days before intentionally re-entering the atmosphere on July 18, 1994. Its primary role involved covert data collection, likely photographic intelligence, with a design emphasis on film capsule recovery post-mission.  

### Recovery and Legacy  
As part of the FSW-2 class, the satellite’s recoverable design allowed for direct retrieval of intelligence materials, a critical capability for China’s military and security apparatus. The mission exemplified China’s growing space-based reconnaissance expertise in the 1990s.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/fsw-2.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)