China successfully launched four new satellites for its Tianqi constellation from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest Sichuan Province on Friday.
The Kuaizhou-1A (KZ-1A) carrier rocket, carrying the four Tianqi 29-32 satellites, blasted off at 5:43 p.m. and successfully placed them into their designated orbit.
This satellite group is a crucial component of China's Tianqi low-Earth orbit Internet of Things (IoT) network. Once the constellation is complete, it will offer global data services for applications such as monitoring the natural environment, emergency communications, and intelligent tourism, thereby advancing the technological capabilities of China's IoT information industry.
The KZ-1A is a small solid-fuel rocket known for its high orbital precision, short preparation time, and cost-effective launches. It is primarily utilized for deploying low-orbit small satellites.
This recent launch marks the 33rd flight mission for the KZ series carrier rocket and the 27th mission for the KZ-1A.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
