JILIN-01 GAOFEN 3G

JILIN-01 GAOFEN 3G is an active satellite operated by Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co. Ltd. (China), launched on 2020-09-15 from Yellow Sea launch area (Haiyang), China on the Jilin-1 launch. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 258 km and 263 km with an inclination of 97.2°. It travels at approximately 27,910 km/h (7.75 km/s), completing one full orbit every 90 minutes — that’s roughly 16.10 orbits per day. Its near-polar, sun-synchronous orbit means it passes over any given point on Earth at approximately the same local solar time, ideal for consistent Earth observation lighting conditions. Its near-circular orbit (eccentricity close to zero) means it maintains a very consistent altitude throughout each revolution. At its current altitude, the estimated orbital lifetime before atmospheric re-entry is weeks to months. Orbital Radar tracks JILIN-01 GAOFEN 3G in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

JILIN-01 GAOFEN 3G orbits at an average altitude of 261 km in a sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), a specialised subset of LEO where the orbital plane precesses to maintain a constant angle relative to the Sun. This provides consistent lighting conditions on every pass — essential for Earth observation, weather monitoring and environmental science. Within ±50 km of JILIN-01 GAOFEN 3G’s average altitude, there are currently 94 active payloads and 10 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include STARLINK-1036, STARLINK-1067, STARLINK-1068. With an inclination of 97.2°, JILIN-01 GAOFEN 3G passes over latitudes between 97.2°N and 97.2°S, providing near-global coverage including the polar regions. Polar and near-polar orbits are used for reconnaissance, weather monitoring and Earth-observation missions that need to image every part of the planet. China operates approximately 1,275 active satellites in total, of which 4 share a similar altitude band with JILIN-01 GAOFEN 3G.