Science
CHUANGXIN 16A (CX-16A)
Chinese Technology Demonstrator · Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)
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Part of a much later generation of Chuangxin satellites, CX-16A launched in 2022 into a distinctly different low-inclination orbit (29°) from the sun-synchronous orbits used by earlier Chuangxin missions — suggesting a shift toward equatorial coverage applications, possibly related to communications relay or technology testing relevant to China's expanding presence at lower latitudes. By CX-16, the program had evolved considerably from its 2003 origins as a basic data-relay technology test.
Its orbit
- Orbit
- Low Earth Orbitcan appear as a fast-moving star at dawn or dusk
- Altitude
- 345–349 mi (556–562 km)
- Inclination
- 29.0°
- One orbit
- 95.7 minutes15.0 orbits a day
- NORAD ID
- 53586
- Int’l designator
- 2022-102A
- Launched
- 2022
Orbital elements from CelesTrak, as of 20 Sep 2026.
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