# Shijian-20

> Chinese satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q80100745](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q80100745)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/shijian-20

## Summary
Shijian-20 is a Chinese technology demonstration satellite launched on December 27, 2019, from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center aboard a Long March 5 rocket. It operates in geostationary orbit and is part of China's Shijian series of experimental spacecraft. The satellite has a mass of 8 tonnes and uses the Dong Fang Hong 5 spacecraft bus.

## Key Facts
- Launched on December 27, 2019, from Wenchang Satellite Launch Center
- Weighs 8 tonnes (8,000 kg)
- Operated by the China Academy of Space Technology
- Launched aboard a Long March 5 heavy-lift rocket
- Part of the Shijian series (serial number 20)
- Uses Dong Fang Hong 5 spacecraft bus
- Positioned in geostationary orbit
- COSPAR ID: 2019-097A
- Also known as Shijian 20, SJ-20, and Shi Jian 20

## FAQs
### Q: What is Shijian-20?
A: Shijian-20 is a Chinese technology demonstration satellite launched in 2019 to test experimental technologies in geostationary orbit. It weighs 8 tonnes and was launched aboard China's Long March 5 rocket.

### Q: When and how was Shijian-20 launched?
A: Shijian-20 was launched on December 27, 2019, from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center in China using a Long March 5 heavy-lift launch vehicle.

### Q: What orbit does Shijian-20 operate in?
A: Shijian-20 operates in geostationary orbit, where it remains positioned above a fixed point on Earth's surface to conduct its technology demonstration mission.

## Why It Matters
Shijian-20 represents a significant advancement in China's space technology capabilities, serving as a testbed for next-generation satellite systems and technologies. As an 8-tonne satellite launched aboard the powerful Long March 5 rocket, it demonstrates China's growing capacity to deploy large, sophisticated spacecraft for both civilian and potential military applications. The satellite's geostationary orbit position allows for continuous coverage of specific regions, making it valuable for communications, navigation, and Earth observation experiments. By pushing the boundaries of what's possible with satellite technology, Shijian-20 contributes to China's broader goals of becoming a spacefaring nation and developing independent capabilities in space-based systems that could have strategic implications for global communications and surveillance.

## Notable For
- First Shijian satellite to reach 8 tonnes in mass
- Launched aboard China's most powerful operational rocket, the Long March 5
- Uses advanced Dong Fang Hong 5 spacecraft bus for technology demonstration
- Represents China's commitment to developing heavy-lift launch capabilities
- Operates in geostationary orbit for continuous regional coverage

## Body
### Launch and Specifications
Shijian-20 was launched on December 27, 2019, at 16:00 UTC from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center, China's newest spaceport located on Hainan Island. The satellite was carried into orbit by the Long March 5, China's most powerful operational launch vehicle, which stands approximately 57 meters tall and can deliver up to 25 tonnes to low Earth orbit or 14 tonnes to geostationary transfer orbit.

### Technical Characteristics
The satellite has a mass of 8 tonnes, making it one of the heaviest Chinese satellites launched to date. It utilizes the Dong Fang Hong 5 spacecraft bus, which provides the structural framework and essential systems for the satellite's operations. The satellite's large mass indicates it carries substantial payload capacity for its technology demonstration mission.

### Mission Profile
Shijian-20 operates in geostationary orbit at approximately 35,786 kilometers above Earth's equator. In this orbit, the satellite maintains a fixed position relative to Earth's surface, allowing for continuous coverage of specific geographic regions. This orbit is particularly valuable for communications satellites, weather monitoring, and Earth observation systems.

### Series Context
As the 20th satellite in the Shijian series, this spacecraft continues China's long-standing practice of using the Shijian (meaning "practice" in Chinese) designation for experimental and technology demonstration missions. The series has been instrumental in developing and testing new space technologies before they are incorporated into operational satellite systems.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/sj-20.htm)