BackForward Satellite Programme: Tian Hui - 1 

Programme details
Programme description
  • Series of satellites for land observation.  "Tian Hui" = "Sky drawing".
  • Chinese programme: dual use (civilian/military); PLA (People’s Liberation Army) responsible of overall programme and operations, CAST responsible of development.
  • The platforms are actively stabilised over 3 axes.
  • The design life time is 3 years.
  • The satellites exploit a sunsynchronous orbit around 13:30.
  • The replacement policy is based on launching satellites in sequence, roughly 6 months before the expected end-of-life of a satellite.
  • See detailed description at http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/05/china-launches-tianhui-1b-long-march-2d/.
Data circulation
  • Selected images are stored onboard and downlinked to stations in China managed by PLA.
  • Data processing and distribution from Beijing.
Agencies PLA , CAST
Programme lifetime 2010 - 2024
Associated satellites and instruments

Note: red tag => no longer operational , green tag => operational , blue tag => planned