# Tianhui 1B

> Chinese Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q4467962](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4467962)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tianhui_1B)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tianhui-1b

## Summary  
Tianhui 1B is a Chinese Earth observation satellite launched on May 6, 2012. It is part of the Tianhui series of satellites developed for Earth mapping and surveying purposes. The satellite was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center using a Long March 2D carrier rocket.

## Key Facts  
- Launched on May 6, 2012  
- COSPAR ID: 2012-020A  
- SCN (Satellite Catalog Number): 38256  
- Alias: TIANHUI 1-02  
- Instance of: spacecraft, artificial satellite  
- Part of: Tianhui satellite family  
- Launch site: Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center  
- Launch vehicle: Long March 2D  
- Operated by: China  
- Wikipedia titles exist in English, Latvian, and Russian  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is Tianhui 1B used for?  
A: Tianhui 1B is an Earth observation satellite designed for mapping and surveying activities. It supports applications such as land resource monitoring and geographic information collection.

### Q: When was Tianhui 1B launched?  
A: Tianhui 1B was launched on May 6, 2012, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in China.

### Q: Which rocket was used to launch Tianhui 1B?  
A: The satellite was launched using the Long March 2D, a Chinese orbital carrier rocket commonly used for launching small to medium payloads into low Earth orbit.

## Why It Matters  
Tianhui 1B plays a key role in China's civilian remote sensing capabilities, contributing to national efforts in land surveying, cartography, and environmental monitoring. As part of the broader Tianhui program, it reflects China’s ongoing investment in developing autonomous Earth observation infrastructure. These satellites reduce reliance on foreign imagery services and support domestic planning in agriculture, urban development, and disaster management. Its successful deployment underscores China's expanding presence in space-based geospatial technologies.

## Notable For  
- Being part of China’s dedicated Earth observation satellite program  
- Providing high-resolution optical imagery for civil and scientific use  
- Demonstrating continued advancements in Chinese satellite technology and launch capability  
- Supporting national mapping initiatives through precise terrain imaging  
- Utilizing the reliable Long March 2D launch system  

## Body  

### Mission Overview  
Tianhui 1B is an Earth observation satellite operated by China as part of the Tianhui program. It contributes to civilian remote sensing missions focused on topographic mapping and land resource surveys.

### Technical Classification  
As both a spacecraft and artificial satellite, Tianhui 1B orbits Earth to collect geospatial data. It belongs to the broader class of Earth-imaging satellites used for scientific and administrative purposes.

### Launch Details  
The satellite was successfully launched on **May 6, 2012**, at the **Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center** in China. It rode aboard a **Long March 2D** rocket, which is frequently employed for placing small-to-medium satellites into sun-synchronous orbits.

### Identification & Designation  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2012-020A  
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 38256  
- **Alias**: TIANHUI 1-02  
These identifiers are used internationally to track and reference the satellite across databases and tracking systems.

### Program Context  
Tianhui 1B is one of several satellites within the **Tianhui constellation**, all aimed at enhancing China's independent Earth observation capacity. This program supports government agencies and research institutions with updated geographic and environmental data.

### Operational Significance  
By delivering consistent earth imagery, Tianhui 1B aids in various sectors including:
- Urban planning
- Agricultural assessment
- Natural disaster response
- Environmental protection

Its contributions help strengthen China’s self-reliance in spatial information gathering.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report