Name

Gaofen 3

Alternate Names

2016-049A

Satellite ID

WYUP-8723-3132-6983-2409

NORAD ID

41727

Country of Origin

China

Launch Date

2016-08-09T00:00:00+00:00

Deploy Date

2016-08-09T00:00:00+00:00

GAOFEN 3 is a radar imaging satellite, made by the China Academy of Space Technology. GAOFEN 3 is the sixth satellite to launch in the Gaofen series. It is also the first civilian Earth observation satellite with radar imaging. The satellite will provide high-quality, reliable and quantitative images for ocean monitoring, water conservancy monitoring and disaster monitoring. Gaofen 3 is part of the China High-resolution Earth Observation System, or CHEOS, a network of satellites supplying near-realtime data to Chinese government agencies. Gaofen 3's radar instrument has 12 imaging modes, ranging from wide-area imaging to close-up shots with a best resolution of 1 meter, or approximately 3.3 feet. That will allow the spacecraft to provide clear views of roads, buildings and boats.