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At 9:16:40 on May 12, 2020, KZ-1A launch vehicle, named "Kuaizhou·Trumpchi GS4", successfully sent two satellites (i.e. Xingyun-2 01 (Wuhan) and 02) into the pre-selected orbit from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
The successful launch of satellites Xingyun-2 01 and 02 marks another significant progress of CASIC in its "Five Clouds + One Train" commercial aerospace project, and the official start of in-orbit technical verification and application test of Xingyun-2 --- the first satellite of CASIC's space-based IoT constellation.
Xingyun-2 01 and 02 launched this time are two satellites for image technique testing in the alpha phase of the Xingyun Project. They are independently designed and developed by Leobit Technology Co., Ltd. of China Space Sanjiang Group Corporation affiliated to CASIC, achieving independent innovation in key technical areas including inter-satellite laser link technology, satellite-borne digital multi-beam communication payload, and air-to-ground satellite communication protocol. After the satellites are sent into the pre-selected orbit, they will provide application tests for many industries including: intelligent container supervision, polar environment monitoring, geological disaster monitoring, meteorological data forecasting, marine environment monitoring, and marine transportation and communication, and lay a foundation for the subsequent space-based IoT constellation deployment.
The Xingyun Project is divided into three phases: α, β and γ. The space-based IoT constellation consisting of 80 low-orbit communication satellites will be completed around 2023, with the aim to solve the problems of "communication blind spots" caused by the seriously insufficient cellular communication network coverage (terrestrial coverage: about 20%; marine coverage: <5%) in the development of terrestrial IoT, thus helping customers realize the real global IoT.
In the alpha phase of Xingyun Project, two satellites are planned to be launched for a series of in-orbit technical verification and a group of industrial application tests. The successful launch of Xingyun-2 01 and 02 marks the successful completion of the construction in the alpha phase.
Xingyun-2 01 and 02 launched this time are equipped with the inter-satellite laser link technology --- the first application of the technology in low-orbit constellation in China. In this way, in-orbit satellites can achieve long-distance communication through laser communication technology without the need of forwarding by ground station, thus improving the timeliness of communication services.
In addition, the two satellites are equipped with satellite-borne digital multi-beam communication payload for the first time in China, achieving access of massive short data from satellites through independently innovative advanced communication protocol, thus becoming the first constellation system integrating operation, management and service in China.
Developed by Expace Technology Co., Ltd., the KZ-1A launch vehicle used for this launch mission features high flight reliability, high orbit injection accuracy, short preparation period, few support requirements and low launch cost, and is mainly used for launching 300kg-level small low-orbit satellites. As a mature solid launch vehicle, KZ-1A has successfully completed eight launch missions.
This launch is the first "combination" of KZ launch vehicle and Xingyun satellites. To ensure smooth launch, China Space Sanjiang Group Corporation has overcome the great challenge due to the outbreak of COVID-19, and actively and orderly promoted the resumption of work and production, cheering for Wuhan with practical actions. The Xingyun-2 01 launched this time is named "Xingyun Wuhan". "Heroic City of Wuhan & Great China", and a picture of medical workers fighting in the frontline against COVID-19 have been imprinted on the surface of the launch vehicle as a special way to pay tribute to the heroic city of Wuhan, the heroic people and the vast number of health workers. The launch vehicle used for this launch mission is named "Kuaizhou Trumpchi GS4", indicating that GAC Trumpchi Motor Sales Co., Ltd. has become CASIC's partner to assist with the launch mission of Kuaizhou launch vehicle.
Today is the 12th National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Day and the 109th International Nurses Day. 12 years ago, health workers selfless saved thousands of lives in the Wenchuan Earthquake. With the spread of COVID-19 this year, they once again fought for life without any hesitation The Kuaizhou launch vehicle launched this time has been imprinted with a picture of medical workers fighting in the frontline against COVID-19 as a special way of aerospace technicians to pay tribute to the angels in white, hailed as heroes in harm's way!
