Science
TIANHUI 4B
Chinese Military Earth Observation (Unconfirmed Mission) · CASC / PLA (Purpose Not Officially Disclosed)
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The second Tianhui-4 satellite, launched into a near-polar 89° orbit distinct from the sun-synchronous orbits typical of most Chinese mapping satellites. Little is publicly confirmed about Tianhui-4's specific mission — Gunter's Space Page and other tracking sources describe it only as 'likely an earth observation satellite of unknown purpose operated by the PLA.' The near-polar orbit suggests global rather than regional coverage priorities, a departure from the China-focused mapping emphasis of earlier Tianhui generations.
Its orbit
- Orbit
- Low Earth Orbitcan appear as a fast-moving star at dawn or dusk
- Altitude
- 261–270 mi (421–434 km)
- Inclination
- 89.0°
- One orbit
- 93.0 minutes15.5 orbits a day
- NORAD ID
- 50573
- Int’l designator
- 2021-134B
- Launched
- 2021
Orbital elements from CelesTrak, as of 22 Sep 2026.
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