September 29th saw China launching its CentiSpace- 1-S1 small satellite on a Kuaizhou-IA rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in Northwest China, making this China’s 26th orbital venture of the year. It is an experimental satellite for the low-orbit navigation enhancement system developed by the Beijing Future Navigation Technology Co. Ltd. The launch of the CentiSpace- 1-S1 marks the second commercial launch by the Kuaizhou-IA. Another launch is anticipated at the end of the year, and six more have been scheduled – including one for a foreign client.
This enthusiasm resulted in plans to launch four Kuaizhou- IA within a week during 2018, partially to make “world record for launch frequency.” Expace Technology Co.
Ltd, a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science & Industry Corp, specializing in R&D, manufacturing, and marketing of the Kuaizhou series launch vehicles, were given the contract for this mission on May 2018. The launch vehicle is based on the DF-21 missile.
