The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) has launched the thirteenth Chang Zheng 11 (CZ-11) to ship five Jilin-1 Gaofen Earth observation satellites to a Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO). This launch is the third CZ-11 (CZ-11H) to be launched from an offshore launch platform off the coast of China. CZ-11H Y3 launched on April 30 at 03:30 UTC from the Tai Rui launch platform simply offshore of China.
This was the thirteenth launch from China in 2022 and the 418th general launch of the Chang Zheng collection of rockets.
CZ-11 is the primary and solely all-solid Chang Zheng rocket at present in operation. The rocket was developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) as an affordable, easy, and dependable launch automobile to allow a quick-reaction launch. Due to its all solid-based phases, CZ-11 might be positioned into storage and launched when wanted.
The rocket is classed as a small-satellite launch automobile capable of carry 700 kg to low-Earth orbit (LEO) and 350 kg to a 700 km SSO. The rocket makes use of 4 phases with a response management system on the fourth stage. At the time of its first launch, the primary stage was the biggest stable rocket motor developed as a primary stage by China. At liftoff, CZ-11 can generate 1,176 kN of thrust.
The rocket itself is 20.8 meters tall with a diameter of two.0 meters. CZ-11 has two non-compulsory fairing sizes of 1.6 meters and a pair of.0 meters.
CZ-11H in ultimate preparations for launch
If launching from an offshore launch platform, CZ-11 takes the designation of CZ-11H. This time, CZ-11H used the Tai Rui launch platform. The platform is roughly 110 meters by 80 meters in measurement. Tai Rui was positioned off the coast of Shanghai at 123.8E 32.2N.
CZ-11H has additionally launched from the De Bo 3 launch platform. De Bo 3 was used for the second CZ-11H launch.
Normally, the CZ-11 launches from land-based launch websites in China. Its main launch website is Site 95 on the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. Site 95 has supported eight launches. Another CZ-11 launch website is the Xichang Satellite Launch Center with three launches.
On September 25, 2015, the maiden flight of a CZ-11 befell from Site 95 at Jiuquan. From the identical launch website, on January 19, 2018, CZ-11 launched its first set of Jilin-1 satellites and rideshare payloads to SSO.
On June 6, 2019, the primary CZ-11H launched from Tai Rui with a Jilin-1 satellite tv for pc plus different rideshare payloads. The most up-to-date launch of a CZ-11H was on September 15, 2020, from the De Bo-3 with a set of 9 Jilin-1 satellites. CZ-11 at present has an ideal launch report of 13 launches and 13 successes.
Jilin-1 is a collection of Earth observation satellites operated by Chang Guang Satellites Technology Corporation. The first 4 Jilin-1 satellites have been launched on a CZ-2D in October 2015. Over 40 Jilin-1 satellites have been efficiently launched to orbit. The plan is to launch 138 satellites by 2030.
Jilin-1 has launched throughout a number of totally different launch autos since its first launch. These satellites have launched on CZ-2D, Kuaizhou-1A, CZ-6, CZ-11, Kuaizhou-11, Hyperbola-1, and CZ-8. Jilin-1 has a deliberate upcoming launch from Site 95 at Jiuquan on the Hyperbola-1 rocket.
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Artist impression of the Jilin-1 Gaofen-03D. (Credit: Chang Guang Satellites Technology Corporation)
On this mission was a set of Jilin-1 Gaofen (High Resolution)-03D satellites. Satellites 04 to 07 have been launched together with a single Jilin-1 Gaofen-04A. Jilin-1 Gaofen-03D is a 42 kg satellite tv for pc set to get a slim field-of-view picture of the Earth’s floor. These satellites use new cameras, constructions, and digital techniques to maintain prices and weight low. The Jilin-1 Gaofen-03D can have imagery of 0.75 meters.
Jilin-1 Gaofen-04A is a prototype satellite tv for pc for the Jilin-1 Gaofen-04 collection. This satellite tv for pc will use static push-broom pictures with a decision higher than 0.5 meters. The pictures collected with has a width higher than 15 km to supply high-resolution imagery. It will even use onboard mission autonomous planning, real-time knowledge transmission, and onboard AI features. Using the brand new software program and single-tracking multi-point imaging with fast info return.
The satellites can be launched into roughly a 535 km SSO. For the five satellites onboard, the mission was named “one arrow and five stars.”
Once the 138 satellites are launched, the complete constellation will allow round the clock, all-weather, and full-spectrum knowledge acquisition to supply geospatial info and providers of excessive temporal and spatial decision.
This yr, extra CZ-11s are anticipated to launch. In 2022, five to eight launches are deliberate with as much as three sea launches.
CZ-11 will quickly see a significant improve. Named the CZ-11A, it would see a brand new 2.4-meter first stage to extend its payload functionality. This CZ-11A rocket will make its first launch in late 2022.
(Lead photograph: CZ-11H launches from the Tai Rui sea launch platform.)