HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesDFH-3 mockup
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

DFH-3 mockup

Re-entered 7 Feb 2002

DFH-3 mockup (NORAD 23009, COSPAR 1994-010B) was a CN satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Feb 2002, launched on 8 Feb 1994 on the shijian sihao mission. It was operated by CASC1 as part of the DFH-3 programme. The spacecraft was built by CAST on the DFH-3 bus, with a mass of 1,342 kg. Like most satellites in low orbits, it was gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until re-entry. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.

1994
launched
2002
re-entered
8
years on orbit
1,342
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched8 Feb 1994 · on the shijian sihao mission
Operational8 Feb 1994 · entered service
Retired8 Feb 1994 · end of operational service
Re-entered7 Feb 2002 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID23009
COSPAR1994-010B
TypeSatellite
OperatorCASC1
Country / StateCN
ManufacturerCAST
BusDFH-3
Mass1,342 kg
ProgrammeDFH-3
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (GTO)
Altitude178 × 36,046 km
Inclination28.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to DFH-3 mockup?

DFH-3 mockup re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Feb 2002, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1994. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did DFH-3 mockup re-enter the atmosphere?

DFH-3 mockup re-entered on 7 Feb 2002, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built DFH-3 mockup?

DFH-3 mockup was operated by CASC1 and built by CAST (CN).

Launched together

Shi Jian 4NORAD 22996
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.