# Yaogan 12

> satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111472020](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111472020)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/yaogan-12

## Summary  
Yaogan 12 is a Chinese Earth observation satellite launched on November 9, 2011. It is part of the Yaogan series of remote sensing satellites operated by China for both civilian and military purposes. The satellite was deployed using a Long March 4B carrier rocket.

## Key Facts  
- Launched on November 9, 2011  
- Part of the Yaogan series of satellites  
- COSPAR ID: 2011-066B  
- Launched using a Long March 4B rocket  
- Classified as an artificial satellite  
- SCN identifier: 37875  
- Instance of: Earth observation satellite  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is Yaogan 12 used for?  
A: Yaogan 12 is used for Earth observation, including surveillance and remote sensing activities. It supports both civilian and military applications such as land surveying, disaster monitoring, and national defense.

### Q: When was Yaogan 12 launched?  
A: Yaogan 12 was launched on November 9, 2011. The launch took place from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in China.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Yaogan 12?  
A: Yaogan 12 was launched using a Long March 4B carrier rocket, a Chinese orbital launch vehicle commonly used for placing satellites into sun-synchronous orbits.

## Why It Matters  
Yaogan 12 represents one component of China’s expanding space-based Earth observation infrastructure. Satellites like Yaogan 12 contribute to national security through intelligence gathering and support civil applications such as environmental monitoring and urban planning. As part of the broader Yaogan program, it reflects China's strategic investment in dual-use space technology that enhances both domestic capabilities and geopolitical influence. These systems also provide critical data for responding to natural disasters and managing land resources across large geographic areas.

## Notable For  
- Being part of China's operational Yaogan satellite constellation  
- Supporting dual-use missions (civilian and military)  
- Launched via the reliable Long March 4B rocket family  
- Assigned COSPAR ID 2011-066B for international tracking purposes  

## Body  
### Mission Overview  
Yaogan 12 is an Earth observation satellite developed and operated by China. It forms part of the Yaogan series, which includes numerous satellites designed primarily for remote sensing tasks with potential military utility.

### Launch Details  
The satellite was successfully launched on **November 9, 2011**, aboard a **Long March 4B** rocket. The launch occurred at the **Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center**, located in Shanxi Province, China.

### Technical Classification  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2011-066B  
- **SCN Identifier**: 37875  
- **Instance Of**: Artificial satellite / Earth observation satellite  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Long March 4B  

### Operational Role  
As part of the Yaogan program, Yaogan 12 contributes to ongoing surveillance and reconnaissance efforts. Its imaging capabilities assist in various domains including agriculture assessment, urban development analysis, and border patrol operations. While official details remain limited, its inclusion in the Yaogan series indicates integration into China’s strategic space assets.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report