Launching from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, Northern China, a Kuiazhou-1A rocket has orbited the Jilin-1 Gaofen 02F, Earth Observation satellite. The mission took place at 0619 GMT on 27 October and saw the satellite placed into a LEO sun-synchronous orbit at approximately 530 x 550 km, inclined at 97.5 degrees. The satellite will form part of the Jilin-1 constellation which is being constructed by Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co.
The Kuaizhou-1A rocket lifts-off from Jiuquan carrying its payload into orbit. Courtesy of Xinhua/Wang Jiangbo
This was the second launch for this rocket family this year after a year-long hiatus following launch failures in 2020 and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The rocket is developed by Expace Technology Co, which has links to Chinese state manufacturer CASIC.
