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FSW-2 Imagery Intelligence

The FSW-2 series of imagery intelligence spacecraft are capable of stays of up to 16 days in length. The FSW-2 has a greater payload capacity than the FSW-1, but details about sensor resolution limits have not been revealed. In addition to exhibiting lower perigees (170-175 km), both of the FSW-2 spacecraft demonstrated small maneuver capabilities during their missions. These attributes would increase the military utility of the vehicles; however, to date no significant photo recon program for national security objectives appears to be underway.

The FSW-2 debuted on 9 August 1992 witha launch by the new CZ-2D booster from Jiuquan. The heavier (2.4-3.1 metric ton) FSW-2 resembles the FSW-1 with an additional cylindrical module 2.2 m in diameter and 1.5 m long for a total length of 4.6 m. The major advantages of the newer model are an increased payload (350 kg maximum recoverable; 400 kg maximum non-recoverable) and a longer mission duration (up to 18 days). Unlike the FSW-1, the FSW-2 has a modest mono-propellant orbital maneuver capability (References 609-611, 621).

The second FSW-2 was launched on 3 July 1994 into an orbit of 173 km by 343 km at an inclination of 63.0 degrees. The spacecraft remained in orbit for 15 days, making four small maneuvers before successfully returning to Earth. The payload included Earth observation systems, a biological experiment, and microgravity research instruments.

FSW satellites are normally flown only once each year and usually in the August-October period. On 20 October 1996 a FSW-2 was carried into space by a CZ-2D, and it was successfully recovered in China on 04 November 1996. There have been no launches of either class of FSW spacecraft since this flight.

The launch of FSW-18 on a CZ-2C booster was anticipated in late 1998, but as of mid-1999 this launch had still not taken place.

REFERENCES

609. Lin Hua-bao and Min Gui-rong, "The Chinese Recoverable Satellite Program", Paper IAF-89-426, 40th Congress of the International Astronautical Federation, October 1989.
610. Recoverable Satellite FSW, Microgravity Test Platform, Chinese Academy of Space Technology, 1987.
611. Lin Hau-bao and Min Gui-rong, "Aspects of the China's Recoverable Satellite Platform", Paper IAF-93-U.2.552, 44th Congress of the International Astronautical Federation, October 1993.
621. Space in China. Launch Services and Space Technology, China Great Wall Industry Corporation, 1989.

Sources and Resources

Adapted from: Europe and Asia in Space 1993-1994, Nicholas Johnson and David Rodvold [Kaman Sciences / Air Force Phillips Laboratory]

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