# TanSat

> Chinese Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q28057768](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q28057768)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TanSat)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tansat

## Summary
TanSat is a Chinese Earth observation satellite launched on December 21, 2016, designed to monitor atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels. It was developed by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China and operates in a low Earth orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: December 21, 2016
- **Operator**: Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit
- **Launch Vehicle**: Long March 2D
- **Apoapsis**: 728.1 kilometers
- **Periapsis**: 696.1 kilometers
- **Orbital Period**: 98.9 minutes
- **Aliases**: CarbonSat, TANSAT
- **Country of Origin**: People's Republic of China
- **COSPAR ID**: 2016-081A
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 41898

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary mission of TanSat?
A: TanSat's primary mission is to monitor atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels from space, contributing to climate research and environmental monitoring.

### Q: Who operates TanSat?
A: TanSat is operated by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China.

### Q: What type of orbit does TanSat use?
A: TanSat operates in a low Earth orbit, with an apoapsis of 728.1 kilometers and a periapsis of 696.1 kilometers.

### Q: What launch vehicle was used to deploy TanSat?
A: TanSat was launched using the Long March 2D rocket.

### Q: What are the key orbital parameters of TanSat?
A: TanSat has an orbital period of 98.9 minutes, an apoapsis of 728.1 kilometers, and a periapsis of 696.1 kilometers.

## Why It Matters
TanSat plays a crucial role in China's efforts to monitor and understand atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels, which are essential for climate research and environmental studies. By providing precise data on CO₂ concentrations, TanSat helps scientists track global carbon cycles, assess the effectiveness of emission reduction policies, and improve climate models. Its mission supports international collaborations in climate science and demonstrates China's advancements in Earth observation technology. As a key component of China's space-based environmental monitoring program, TanSat contributes to global efforts to address climate change and environmental sustainability.

## Notable For
- **First Chinese CO₂ Monitoring Satellite**: TanSat is the first satellite developed by China specifically for monitoring atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
- **Low Earth Orbit Operations**: Its low Earth orbit allows for detailed observations of CO₂ distribution and variability.
- **Scientific Collaboration**: TanSat supports international climate research by providing data to global scientific communities.
- **Technological Innovation**: The satellite demonstrates China's capabilities in Earth observation and atmospheric science.
- **Environmental Impact**: TanSat's data helps assess the effectiveness of global carbon emission reduction strategies.

## Body
### Mission Overview
TanSat was launched on December 21, 2016, aboard a Long March 2D rocket. It is operated by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China and is designed to observe Earth from orbit, with a specific focus on atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) monitoring.

### Orbital Characteristics
- **Apoapsis**: 728.1 kilometers
- **Periapsis**: 696.1 kilometers
- **Orbital Period**: 98.9 minutes
- **Orbit Type**: Low Earth orbit

### Technical Specifications
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 41898
- **COSPAR ID**: 2016-081A
- **Aliases**: CarbonSat, TANSAT

### Significance
TanSat is notable for being the first Chinese satellite dedicated to monitoring atmospheric CO₂ levels. Its data contributes to global climate research and environmental monitoring efforts. The satellite's low Earth orbit enables detailed observations of CO₂ distribution and variability, supporting scientific studies on carbon cycles and climate change. TanSat's mission aligns with China's broader goals in space-based environmental science and technological innovation.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](http://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=41898)