NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 2018-034A
The Yaogan Weixing-31-01 mission is composed of three satellites, with Chinese media referring to the new satellites to be used “for electromagnetic environment surveys and other related technology tests".
The designation of the Yaogan Weixing series is used to hide the true military nature of the satellites. In particular, this mission is similar to the Yaogan-9, 16, 17, 20 and 31 with three satellites flying in formation like a type of NOSS system, considered as the Jianbing-8 military series.
Designed for locating and tracking foreign warships the satellites will collect the optical and radio electronic signatures of the maritime vessels that will be used in conjunction with other information valuable for the Chinese maritime forces.
Launch Date: 2018-04-10
Launch Vehicle: Long March 4C
Launch Site: Jiuquan, Peoples Republic of China
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office