HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesZhongxing 7
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Zhongxing 7

Re-entered 1 Jan 1999

Zhongxing 7 (NORAD 24282, COSPAR 1996-048A) was a CN satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Jan 1999, launched on 18 Aug 1996 on the Zhongxing 7 mission. It was operated by Chinasat as part of the ZX programme. The spacecraft was built by HSES on the HS-376 bus, with a mass of 754 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.

1996
launched
1999
re-entered
3
years on orbit
754
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched18 Aug 1996 · on the Zhongxing 7 mission
Operational1 Nov 1996 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 2001 · end of operational service
Re-entered1 Jan 1999 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID24282
COSPAR1996-048A
TypeSatellite
OperatorChinasat
Country / StateCN
ManufacturerHSES
BusHS-376
Mass754 kg (600 kg dry)
ProgrammeZX
CategoryCOM
OrbitMEO (MEO)
Altitude21,666 × 46,505 km
Inclination26.3°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Zhongxing 7?

Zhongxing 7 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Jan 1999, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1996. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Zhongxing 7 re-enter the atmosphere?

Zhongxing 7 re-entered on 1 Jan 1999, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was Zhongxing 7 operational?

Zhongxing 7 was operational for roughly 4 years, from 1 Nov 1996 to 1 Jan 2001.

Who operated and built Zhongxing 7?

Zhongxing 7 was operated by Chinasat and built by HSES (CN).

Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-18.