Id: 83

Published: 07/29/2025

Description:

TJS-13 has synchronized its Molniya orbit with SY-10 01 and 02, aligning inclinations and arguments of perigee, and is suspected of conducting missile warning or early warning duties. Launched on December 3, 2024, TJS-13 was positioned into a highly elliptical orbit with a high apogee and specific inclination, marking it as the first in its series outside GEO and joining the other two as China's sole assets in this orbital regime. This configuration offers extended coverage over northern areas, ideal for detecting launches or supporting remote sensing, though communications in polar regions could be an alternative function, with early warning appearing as the primary focus based on orbital characteristics.