# Ziyuan 1-02C

> Chinese Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q14083895](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q14083895)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ziyuan-1-02c

## Summary
Ziyuan 1-02C is a Chinese Earth observation satellite launched on December 22, 2011, as part of the Ziyuan series. It was developed by the China Centre for Resources Satellite Data and Application and operates in a sun-synchronous orbit, primarily used for environmental monitoring and resource management.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Earth observation satellite
- **Operator**: China Centre for Resources Satellite Data and Application (inception: October 5, 1991)
- **Launch Date**: December 22, 2011, at 03:26:14 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Long March 4B (Y15 variant)
- **Launch Site**: Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center
- **Mass**: 2,100 kilograms
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (2 units)
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Phoenix-Eye-2
- **Manufacturer**: China Academy of Space Technology
- **COSPAR ID**: 2011-079A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2011-079A
- **Aliases**: ZY-1 02C, Zi Yuan 1-02C

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of Ziyuan 1-02C?
A: Ziyuan 1-02C is an Earth observation satellite designed for environmental monitoring and resource management, supporting China’s remote sensing capabilities.

### Q: Who operates Ziyuan 1-02C?
A: The satellite is operated by the China Centre for Resources Satellite Data and Application, a space research institute in Beijing.

### Q: What launch vehicle was used to deploy Ziyuan 1-02C?
A: The satellite was launched using the Long March 4B rocket (Y15 variant) from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center on December 22, 2011.

### Q: What is the orbit of Ziyuan 1-02C?
A: Ziyuan 1-02C operates in a sun-synchronous orbit, which is commonly used for Earth observation satellites to maintain consistent lighting conditions for imaging.

### Q: What is the mass of Ziyuan 1-02C?
A: The satellite has a mass of 2,100 kilograms.

## Why It Matters
Ziyuan 1-02C is part of China’s Ziyuan satellite series, which plays a crucial role in environmental monitoring, resource management, and disaster response. As an Earth observation satellite, it contributes to China’s growing capabilities in remote sensing, supporting applications such as agriculture, urban planning, and climate research. The satellite’s launch and operation highlight China’s advancements in space technology and its commitment to independent Earth observation capabilities. By providing high-resolution imagery and data, Ziyuan 1-02C supports China’s efforts in sustainable development and national security.

## Notable For
- **Part of the Ziyuan series**: Ziyuan 1-02C is the second satellite in the Ziyuan-1 series, following Ziyuan 1-01A.
- **Sun-synchronous orbit**: The satellite’s orbit ensures consistent imaging conditions, crucial for environmental monitoring.
- **Operated by China Centre for Resources Satellite Data and Application**: The satellite is managed by a key Chinese institution focused on satellite data applications.
- **Launched by Long March 4B**: The satellite was deployed using a reliable Chinese launch vehicle, demonstrating China’s independent space launch capabilities.
- **Phoenix-Eye-2 spacecraft bus**: The satellite uses a specialized bus designed for Earth observation, enhancing its imaging capabilities.

## Body
### Overview
Ziyuan 1-02C is a Chinese Earth observation satellite launched on December 22, 2011. It is part of the Ziyuan series, which is operated by the China Centre for Resources Satellite Data and Application. The satellite was launched using the Long March 4B rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 2,100 kilograms
- **Power Source**: Two spacecraft solar arrays
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Phoenix-Eye-2
- **Manufacturer**: China Academy of Space Technology

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: December 22, 2011, at 03:26:14 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Long March 4B (Y15 variant)
- **Launch Site**: Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center

### Identification
- **COSPAR ID**: 2011-079A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2011-079A
- **Aliases**: ZY-1 02C, Zi Yuan 1-02C

### Operator
- **Operator**: China Centre for Resources Satellite Data and Application (inception: October 5, 1991)

### Significance
Ziyuan 1-02C is notable for its role in China’s Earth observation capabilities, supporting environmental monitoring, resource management, and disaster response. The satellite’s launch and operation contribute to China’s independent space program and its growing expertise in remote sensing technology.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/zy-1-02c.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report