China Sends New Remote Sensing Satellite into Space

The Jilin-1 Gaofen 02A was put into orbit by Kuaizhou-1A (KZ-1A), a carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gansu Province at 11:40 am (Beijing Time) on Nov 13.

Developed by EXPACE, a subsidiary of CASIC China Space Sanjiang Group Co., Ltd., KZ-1A is a low-cost solid-fuel carrier rocket with high reliability and a short preparation period with a 200kg/700km solar synchronous circular orbit carrying capacity.

It was the second mission of the KZ-1A rocket in 2019 — the first time it has been launched more than once within one year since 2005 — and the fourth time it has been used for a commercial launch.

The Jilin-1 Gaofen 02A is an optical remote sensing satellite independently developed by Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co. Ltd., featuring high resolution, wide width, and high-speed data transmission.

It will form a network with the other 13 Jilin-1 satellites after entering orbit and help improve the remote sensing data of spatial and temporal resolution to provide services in fields like agriculture production, environment monitoring, smart cities, geographical mapping and surveying and land planning.

CASIC has been promoting the commercial space industry in recent years through developing cost-effective launch technology, concentrating on the Kuaizhou series and advancing power technology.

To meet requirements of all kinds of commercial satellites, more types of Kuaizhou rockets are being developed. For example, the KZ-11 will have its maiden flight soon.

With an international general interface, the Kuaizhou rockets can launch low-orbit microsatellites weighing 300 to 700 kg.

All Kuaizhou rockets are vehicle-mounted and can be readied, integrated and launched in a short period. It is worth mentioning that they have high reliability, high orbit insertion accuracy, a short preparation period, few guarantee needs and low launching costs.

Founded in 2016, EXPACE is China's first professional company developing rockets in a commercial mode. The company intends to evolve into an internationally leading company to offer a commercial launch service.

Promoting deep integration of capital, market and talents, the company is devoted to becoming a pioneer and explorer of commercial launch services and economic development in the space industry.

(Executive editor: Wang Ruoting)