Kuaizhou 1A launch deploys twin experimental satellites

Kuaizhou 1A launch deploys twin experimental satellites

China used a Kuaizhou 1A solid-fuel carrier rocket to launch two experimental satellites from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, with liftoff taking place at 5 pm local time.

The rocket flew from a mobile launch platform and inserted both spacecraft into their planned orbit, according to China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp, which manages the Kuaizhou small-launcher program.

The two payloads are described as experimental satellites focused on communications technology verification, tasked with testing new communications payloads in orbit and collecting data sets that can be used to refine maritime traffic management services.

By operating over sea lanes, the satellites are expected to