In a significant advancement for space technology, China launched four new satellites for the Tianqi Constellation on Thursday. The mission took off from the waters near Shandong Province, east China, deploying the satellites into a low-Earth orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 850 kilometers with an inclination of 45 degrees.
The latest batch, Tianqi 33-36, was carried by a sea-based version of the commercial CERES-1 rocket, developed by the Chinese private firm Galactic Energy. This marks the fourth successful launch using this type of carrier rocket, showcasing the growing capabilities of China's private space sector.
Expanding the Tianqi Constellation
The Tianqi Constellation is China's inaugural low-orbit Internet of Things (IoT) data communication network. The initial phase consists of 38 satellites designed to provide global coverage. These satellites are characterized by their miniaturization, low power consumption, and cost-effectiveness, making them ideal for consumer-grade IoT data services across various environments including space, air, ground, and sea.
Applications of the Tianqi Constellation span multiple industries such as forestry, agriculture, emergency response, tourism, water conservancy, electric power, oil, marine operations, ecological environment management, smart cities, and the broader digital economy. By offering reliable connectivity, the constellation supports the integration of IoT technologies into everyday operations, enhancing efficiency and innovation.
Galactic Energy's Growing Portfolio
The mission was executed by Galactic Energy, a leading Chinese private aerospace firm. To date, the company has completed 15 commercial rocket launches, delivering a total of 58 satellites with diverse functionalities into their designated orbits. The CERES-1 rocket remains China's only commercial rocket model capable of launching from both land and sea bases.
Looking ahead, Galactic Energy is accelerating the development of its reusable liquid carrier rocket, the PALLAS-1, aiming to further revolutionize the commercial space launch industry with sustainable and cost-effective solutions.
Reference(s):
China's commercial rocket sends new batch of satellites into orbit
cgtn.com
