# Ziyuan 3-01

> Chinese Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q207045](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q207045)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ziyuan_3-01)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ziyuan-3-01

## Summary  
Ziyuan 3-01 is a Chinese Earth observation satellite launched on January 9, 2012. It is part of the Ziyuan series, developed by the China Academy of Space Technology for the Ministry of Land and Resources. The satellite was launched into orbit using a Long March 4B rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center.

## Key Facts  
- Launched on **January 9, 2012**, at **03:17:10 UTC**  
- Operated by the **Ministry of Land and Resources of the People's Republic of China**  
- Manufactured by **China Academy of Space Technology**  
- Launched from the **Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center** using a **Long March 4B (Y26)** rocket  
- COSPAR ID: **2012-001A** | NSSDCA ID: **2012-001A**  
- Aliases: **ZY 3-01**, **Zi Yuan 3-01**  
- Part of the **Ziyuan satellite series**  
- Instance of: **Earth observation satellite**

## FAQs  

### Q: What is Ziyuan 3-01 used for?  
A: Ziyuan 3-01 is an Earth observation satellite designed to collect high-resolution imagery for land resource surveys, mapping, and environmental monitoring in China.

### Q: When was Ziyuan 3-01 launched?  
A: Ziyuan 3-01 was launched on **January 9, 2012**, at 03:17:10 UTC from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center.

### Q: Who operates Ziyuan 3-01?  
A: The satellite is operated by the **Ministry of Land and Resources of the People's Republic of China**.

## Why It Matters  
Ziyuan 3-01 plays a critical role in China’s national land surveying and mapping initiatives. As part of the Ziyuan program, it supports applications such as urban planning, disaster monitoring, agricultural assessment, and infrastructure development. Its high-resolution imaging capabilities enhance the accuracy and efficiency of geographic information systems (GIS) used across government and scientific sectors. The satellite contributes to China’s growing space-based Earth observation capacity, reducing reliance on foreign satellite data and strengthening domestic remote sensing infrastructure.

## Notable For  
- First civilian high-resolution stereo mapping satellite in China  
- Provides panchromatic resolution of **2.1 meters** and multispectral resolution of **5.8 meters**  
- Supports both forward and backward stereo imaging modes  
- Integral to China’s national spatial data infrastructure  
- Represents advancement in indigenous satellite remote sensing technology

## Body  

### Mission Overview  
Ziyuan 3-01 is a civilian Earth observation satellite dedicated to topographic mapping and land resource monitoring. It was developed under the auspices of the Ministry of Land and Resources to support national cartography efforts with high-resolution stereo imagery.

### Technical Specifications  
- **Resolution**:  
  - Panchromatic: **2.1 meters**  
  - Multispectral: **5.8 meters**  
- **Imaging Modes**:  
  - Forward-looking stereo  
  - Backward-looking stereo  
  - Nadir (vertical) imaging  
- **Orbit Type**: Sun-synchronous orbit  
- **Design Life**: Approximately **5 years**

### Development and Manufacturer  
The satellite was built by the **China Academy of Space Technology (CAST)**, one of the main space engineering organizations in China. CAST has been responsible for many of China’s Earth observation and communication satellites.

### Launch Details  
- **Launch Date**: **January 9, 2012**  
- **Launch Time**: **03:17:10 UTC**  
- **Launch Site**: **Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center**  
- **Launch Vehicle**: **Long March 4B**, serial number Y26  
- **Mission Identifier**: COSPAR ID **2012-001A**

### Operational Role  
Operated by the **Ministry of Land and Resources**, Ziyuan 3-01 provides critical geospatial data for:  
- National land use surveys  
- Urban and rural planning  
- Geological exploration  
- Environmental protection projects  
- Emergency response during natural disasters  

### Legacy and Impact  
As the first Chinese civilian satellite capable of stereo-mapping, Ziyuan 3-01 marked a milestone in China’s remote sensing capabilities. It laid the groundwork for subsequent missions in the Ziyuan series and contributed significantly to the modernization of China’s geographic information systems.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013