# Ziyuan 2-02

> Chinese reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111497542](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111497542)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ziyuan-2-02

## Summary
Ziyuan 2-02 is a Chinese reconnaissance satellite that was launched in 2002 as part of the Ziyuan series of Chinese satellites, designed to covertly collect data for intelligence or military applications.

## Key Facts
- Ziyuan 2-02 is a reconnaissance satellite operated by the People's Republic of China
- It is part of the Ziyuan series of Chinese satellites
- The satellite was launched on October 27, 2002 at 03:17 from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center
- It was launched using a Long March 4B orbital carrier rocket
- Its COSPAR and NSSDCA identifiers are 2002-049A
- The satellite has multiple aliases including ZY-2 02, Jianbing-3 02, JB-3 2, JB-3 B, and Zi Yuan 2-02
- The satellite's unique identifier is 27550

## FAQs
### Q: When was Ziyuan 2-02 launched?
A: Ziyuan 2-02 was launched on October 27, 2002 at 03:17 from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center.

### Q: What type of satellite is Ziyuan 2-02?
A: Ziyuan 2-02 is a reconnaissance satellite used for intelligence or military applications.

### Q: Which rocket launched Ziyuan 2-02?
A: The Long March 4B orbital carrier rocket was used to launch Ziyuan 2-02.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID of Ziyuan 2-02?
A: The COSPAR ID of Ziyuan 2-02 is 2002-049A.

## Why It Matters
Ziyuan 2-02 represents an important development in China's space reconnaissance capabilities, providing the country with advanced intelligence-gathering capabilities from orbit. As part of the Ziyuan series, it contributes to China's military and strategic surveillance infrastructure, enabling the collection of critical data for national security and defense planning. The satellite's operation demonstrates China's growing technological capabilities in space-based reconnaissance systems, which are essential for modern military operations and strategic decision-making.

## Notable For
- Part of the Ziyuan series, which is China's primary reconnaissance satellite program
- Launched using the Long March 4B rocket, a workhorse of China's orbital launches
- Operated from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, one of China's primary launch sites
- Has multiple designations including Jianbing-3 02, indicating its military classification
- Represents an advancement in China's space-based intelligence capabilities

## Body
### Technical Specifications
Ziyuan 2-02, also known as ZY-2 02 or Jianbing-3 02, is a reconnaissance satellite that was deployed in 2002 as part of China's Ziyuan series. The satellite was identified by the COSPAR and NSSDCA designations 2002-049A and has the unique identifier 27550. It was launched from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center on October 27, 2002 at 03:17 using a Long March 4B orbital carrier rocket.

The satellite operates in a sun-synchronous orbit, which allows it to maintain consistent lighting conditions for imaging, making it particularly effective for reconnaissance missions. As a reconnaissance satellite, Ziyuan 2-02 is designed to covertly collect data for intelligence or military applications, providing China with enhanced surveillance capabilities.

The Ziyuan series represents China's primary program for Earth observation and reconnaissance satellites, with Ziyuan 2-02 being one of the early operational satellites in this series. The satellite's design and capabilities reflect China's growing investment in space-based intelligence gathering, which has become increasingly important in modern military operations. The use of the Long March 4B rocket for launch indicates the satellite's relatively moderate size and payload capacity compared to larger military satellites.

The satellite's operation from the Taiyuan launch site, located in Shanxi province, is significant as it represents one of China's primary space launch facilities. The timing of the launch in 2002 places Ziyuan 2-02 among the early generation of Chinese reconnaissance satellites, which were developed to complement and eventually replace older surveillance systems. The multiple designations used for the satellite (including Jianbing-3 02) indicate its military classification and the different agencies or programs that may have been involved in its development and operation.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report