China conducted a Kuaizhou-1A launch at 0236 GMT on 23 August, from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. The payload, identified as Chuangxin-16 (CX-16), was successfully carried to LEO by the rocket. The satellite was reportedly built by Innovation Academy for Microsats of CAS (IAMCAS) and is described by state media as intended for “scientific experiments and verification of new technologies”. It is likely that this launch only carried one satellite however, there is discussion surrounding whether or not two satellites were onboard.
The Kuaizhou-1A rocket lifts-off from Xichang. Courtesy of Xinhua/Qiu Lijun
