# Yaogan 31B

> satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111470989](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111470989)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/yaogan-31b

## Summary
Yaogan 31B is a Chinese reconnaissance satellite launched as part of the Yaogan series, designed for Earth observation and intelligence-gathering. It was deployed into orbit on April 10, 2018, aboard a Long March 4C rocket. The satellite is identified by its COSPAR ID 2018-034B and satellite catalog number (SCN) 43276.

## Key Facts
- **COSPAR ID**: 2018-034B  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 43276  
- **Launch Date**: April 10, 2018  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Long March 4C  
- **Part of**: Yaogan satellite constellation  
- **Instance of**: Artificial satellite  
- **Aliases**: YAOGAN-31 B  
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code**: Entity["Satellite", "43276"]  

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of Yaogan 31B?
A: Yaogan 31B is part of China’s Yaogan series, which primarily serves reconnaissance and Earth observation missions, though specific operational details are not publicly disclosed.

### Q: When was Yaogan 31B launched?
A: It was launched on April 10, 2018, using a Long March 4C rocket.

### Q: How is Yaogan 31B identified in satellite tracking systems?
A: It is tracked via its COSPAR ID (2018-034B) and satellite catalog number (SCN 43276).

## Why It Matters
Yaogan 31B contributes to China’s expanding network of reconnaissance satellites, enhancing its capabilities in Earth observation and data collection. As part of the broader Yaogan series, it underscores China’s strategic investment in space-based intelligence-gathering systems. The satellite’s launch on a Long March 4C rocket also highlights the reliability and versatility of China’s domestic launch vehicles. For researchers and analysts, Yaogan 31B represents a component of modern satellite technology with both civilian and potential military applications, reflecting the dual-use nature of space assets in the 21st century.

## Notable For
- **Launch Vehicle**: Utilized the Long March 4C, a key rocket in China’s space program.  
- **Constellation Membership**: Part of the Yaogan satellite network, critical for China’s reconnaissance efforts.  
- **Unique Identifiers**: Distinguished by its COSPAR ID (2018-034B) and SCN (43276) in global satellite registries.  

## Body
### Launch Details
- **Date**: April 10, 2018  
- **Rocket**: Long March 4C, a Chinese orbital carrier rocket designed for mid-to-high-orbit payloads.  
- **Mission Context**: The launch was part of China’s ongoing efforts to expand its satellite constellation for strategic observation purposes.  

### Satellite Specifications
- **Primary Function**: Earth observation and reconnaissance (inferred from Yaogan series classification).  
- **Technical Design**: Specific technical details (e.g., payload, instrumentation) are not publicly disclosed, consistent with the confidential nature of many Yaogan missions.  

### Mission Context
- **Yaogan Series**: The Yaogan satellites are a group of Chinese spacecraft with roles in optical imaging, synthetic aperture radar, and signals intelligence. Yaogan 31B’s specific role within this constellation aligns with broader Chinese goals for enhanced situational awareness and data acquisition.  
- **Operational Status**: As of its launch, the satellite was positioned to support long-term monitoring and surveillance tasks, though real-time operational updates are not publicly available.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report