# FSW-2 3

> Chinese reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q114110992](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q114110992)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/fsw-2-3

## Summary
FSW-2 3 is a Chinese reconnaissance satellite launched on October 20, 1996, as part of the Fanhui Shi Weixing-2 (FSW-2) program. It was manufactured by the China Association for Science and Technology and launched using a Long March 2D rocket. The satellite was operational until it decayed from orbit on November 4, 1996.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Reconnaissance satellite (used for intelligence or military applications)
- **Launch Date**: October 20, 1996, at 07:20 UTC from Jiuquan Launch Area 2B
- **Launch Vehicle**: Long March 2D (variant Y3)
- **Manufacturer**: China Association for Science and Technology
- **Mass**: 2,970 kg (launch weight)
- **Height**: 4.644 meters
- **Diameter**: 2.200 meters
- **Orbit Decay**: November 4, 1996
- **Aliases**: FSW 17, JB-1B 3, Jianbing-1B 3
- **Part of**: Fanhui Shi Weixing-2 (FSW-2) program

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of FSW-2 3?
A: FSW-2 3 was a reconnaissance satellite designed to covertly collect data for intelligence or military applications, as part of China's FSW-2 program.

### Q: Who launched FSW-2 3?
A: FSW-2 3 was launched by the China Association for Science and Technology using a Long March 2D rocket on October 20, 1996.

### Q: How long was FSW-2 3 operational?
A: The satellite was operational until it decayed from orbit on November 4, 1996, just over a month after launch.

### Q: What were the dimensions of FSW-2 3?
A: The satellite had a height of 4.644 meters and a diameter of 2.200 meters.

### Q: What other names does FSW-2 3 go by?
A: It is also known as FSW 17, JB-1B 3, and Jianbing-1B 3.

## Why It Matters
FSW-2 3 was a significant milestone in China's early reconnaissance satellite program, demonstrating the country's growing capabilities in space-based intelligence gathering. Launched during a period of rapid advancements in China's space program, it contributed to the development of the FSW-2 class of satellites, which were designed to support military and strategic reconnaissance missions. Despite its short operational lifespan, FSW-2 3 provided valuable data and insights into China's evolving space capabilities. The satellite's launch and subsequent decay highlighted the challenges and complexities of maintaining long-term satellite operations in orbit.

## Notable For
- **First of its class**: FSW-2 3 was the first satellite in the FSW-2 program, marking a new phase in China's reconnaissance satellite development.
- **Short operational lifespan**: The satellite decayed from orbit just 15 days after launch, a relatively brief mission for a reconnaissance satellite.
- **Part of China's military space program**: FSW-2 3 was developed and operated by the China Association for Science and Technology, reflecting China's growing focus on military space applications.
- **Technical specifications**: With a mass of 2,970 kg and dimensions of 4.644 meters in height and 2.200 meters in diameter, it was a substantial satellite for its time.
- **Launch vehicle**: The use of the Long March 2D rocket demonstrated China's ability to deploy reconnaissance satellites into orbit.

## Body
### Overview
FSW-2 3 was a reconnaissance satellite developed by the China Association for Science and Technology. It was part of the Fanhui Shi Weixing-2 (FSW-2) program, which focused on military and strategic reconnaissance missions. The satellite was launched on October 20, 1996, from Jiuquan Launch Area 2B using a Long March 2D rocket.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 2,970 kg (launch weight)
- **Height**: 4.644 meters
- **Diameter**: 2.200 meters
- **Launch Vehicle**: Long March 2D (variant Y3)

### Mission Details
- **Launch Date**: October 20, 1996, at 07:20 UTC
- **Orbit Decay**: November 4, 1996
- **Operational Duration**: Approximately 15 days

### Significance
FSW-2 3 played a crucial role in China's early reconnaissance satellite program, contributing to the development of the FSW-2 class of satellites. Despite its short operational lifespan, it provided valuable data and insights into China's space capabilities. The satellite's launch and subsequent decay highlighted the challenges of maintaining long-term satellite operations in orbit.

### Related Entities
- **Fanhui Shi Weixing-2 (FSW-2)**: The third class of Chinese reconnaissance satellites under the FSW program.
- **China Association for Science and Technology**: A Chinese government-affiliated organization responsible for the development and operation of FSW-2 3.
- **Long March 2D**: The orbital carrier rocket used to launch FSW-2 3.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/fsw-2.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20111109011800/http://www.sinodefence.com/space/military/fsw.asp)
4. [Source](https://www.go-taikonauts.com/images/newsletters_PDF/GoTaikonauts6.pdf)
5. [Source](http://www.b14643.de/Spacerockets_1/China/CZ-2/Launch/CZ-2.htm)