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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Shenzhou 4 Fanhui Cang

Re-entered 5 Jan 2003

Shenzhou 4 Fanhui Cang (NORAD 27630, COSPAR 2002-061A) was a CN satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Jan 2003, launched on 29 Dec 2002 on the Shenzhou 4 Fanhui Cang mission. It was operated by CMSEO as part of the Shenzhou programme. The spacecraft was built by CALT on the Shenzhou bus, with a mass of 3,394 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.

2002
launched
2003
re-entered
1
year on orbit
3,394
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched29 Dec 2002 · on the Shenzhou 4 Fanhui Cang mission
Operational5 Jan 2003 · entered service
Retired5 Jan 2003 · end of operational service
Re-entered5 Jan 2003 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID27630
COSPAR2002-061A
TypeSatellite
OperatorCMSEO
Country / StateCN
ManufacturerCALT
BusShenzhou
Mass3,394 kg
ProgrammeShenzhou
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude331 × 337 km
Inclination42.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Shenzhou 4 Fanhui Cang?

Shenzhou 4 Fanhui Cang re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Jan 2003, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2002. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Shenzhou 4 Fanhui Cang re-enter the atmosphere?

Shenzhou 4 Fanhui Cang re-entered on 5 Jan 2003, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Shenzhou 4 Fanhui Cang?

Shenzhou 4 Fanhui Cang was operated by CMSEO and built by CALT (CN).

Launched together

Shenzhou 4 orbital moduleRe-entered 2003
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.