Science
SJ-9A
Chinese Technology Demonstrator (Electric Propulsion / Imaging) · CAST
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Shijian-9A (SJ-9A), part of a Chinese satellite pair launched in 2012 to test electric propulsion, high-resolution imaging, and radiation-hardened components — technology validation directly feeding into China's subsequent generation of operational reconnaissance and communications satellites.
Its orbit
- Orbit
- Low Earth Orbitcan appear as a fast-moving star at dawn or dusk
- Altitude
- 372–393 mi (599–633 km)
- Inclination
- 97.7°
- One orbit
- 96.9 minutes14.9 orbits a day
- NORAD ID
- 38860
- Int’l designator
- 2012-056A
- Launched
- 2012
Orbital elements from CelesTrak, as of 22 Sep 2026.
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