Russian media confused: China sent an experimental satellite into an unexpected orbit!
We don't know what this satellite is doing.
On July 16, RIA Novosti published an article.
The Russian near-Earth space monitoring system recorded that China's satellite experiment -28B (01) appeared in an unexpected low inclination orbit, which China has never used before.
Russian media said that for a period of time, the satellite completely disappeared, and its mission remains unclear.
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) launched the experimental satellite 28B (01) on July 3 from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center using the Long March 4C rocket. Figure 1
Other than announcing the successful activation, no information about the payload was disclosed.
The launch parameters stated that the satellite was in a low Earth orbit with an inclination of 35 degrees.
However, since the launch, no new satellite has appeared in this area.
A few days later, the U.S. Space Force Information Service registered the experimental satellite -28B(01) in the orbital catalog, with an inclination of only 11 degrees and parameters of 793 km × 796 km.
Russian experts pointed out: This indicates that China is testing unusual rocket operations.
Its essence is to change the orbital inclination at the final stage of payload release.
This kind of action requires a very high fuel cost and is technically difficult to achieve.
Notably, for low inclination launches, China is more suitable to use the Wenchang Satellite Launch Site with a latitude of 19 degrees.
China has not revealed the function of the new experimental satellite.
Russian experts are confused about the mission of the experimental satellite -28B (01).
In a formal statement, China only informed that the satellite is used for space environment research and related technological experiments.
It is usually used by China to test space technology innovations.
The satellite's designation suggests that there may be other similar launches, possibly to establish a constellation.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1837762380619776/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.