china Launches 2 Sets of Commercial Weather Satellites in 3-Day Span (Video)
Late last month, china successfully launched two clusters of small satellites aimed at providing commercial meteorological data. The launches, which took place on Dec. 24 and Dec. 27, are a significant step for china‘s space program.
Dec. 24 Launch
On Dec. 24, a Kuaizhou 1A solid rocket lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert at 8:00 p.m. EST. The rocket carried sets of four Tianmu-1 satellites, representing a remarkable technological achievement.
Dec. 27 Launch
Subsequently, at 1:50 a.m. EST on Dec. 27, another Kuaizhou 1A solid rocket was launched. This time, it carried sets of four Tianmu-1 satellites, marking another momentous occasion for china‘s space endeavors.
Capabilities of Tianmu Satellites
The Tianmu satellites, developed by a subsidiary of the state-run china Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), have sophisticated abilities. They can detect changes in signals transmitted by navigation satellites as they pass through Earth’s atmosphere using GNSS radio occultation.
Commercial Meteorological Data
The constellation of Tianmu satellites is designed to provide global commercial meteorological data services. These data will be invaluable for numerical weather forecasting, typhoon monitoring and forecasting, as well as climate change research.
Orbital Information
The new satellites entered near polar orbits at an altitude of approximately 323 miles (520 kilometers), according to U.S. Space Force space domain awareness data. These specifics highlight the precision and expertise involved in the satellite launches.
Expansion of the Constellation
The eight new spacecraft join the existing 10 Tianmu-1 satellites in orbit. These satellites were launched earlier in 2023, with the aim of completing the constellation by 2025. The comprehensive global coverage is a testament to china‘s commitment to space exploration.
Launch Vehicles and Future Plans
The Kuaizhou 1A, developed by CASIC and operated by Expace, is a small launcher with impressive capabilities. This successful launch sets the stage for further advancements, and a third launch is already scheduled for early Jan. 5, enhancing china‘s space program’s future prospects.
Conclusion
The successful back-to-back launches of commercial weather satellites by china demonstrate the country’s increasing prowess in the field of space technology. As china continues to expand its capabilities, the global space community eagerly anticipates the further developments and contributions of these remarkable achievements.
Source: space
No Comments