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SHIYAN-3 (SY-3)

Chinese Technology Demonstrator · CAST

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Shiyan-3 (SY-3), part of China's Shiyan ('Experiment') technology demonstration series, launched in 2008 to test new satellite bus and sensor technologies — a designation that, like Shijian, has occasionally served as cover for satellites with undisclosed military applications.

Its orbit

Orbit
Low Earth Orbitcan appear as a fast-moving star at dawn or dusk
Altitude
487–499 mi (784–803 km)
Inclination
98.6°
One orbit
100.6 minutes14.3 orbits a day
NORAD ID
33433
Int’l designator
2008-056A
Launched
2008

Orbital elements from CelesTrak, as of 22 Sep 2026.

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