China's Space Program News Thread

[iantsai]

The launching vehicle today is a combination of CZ-2C and a Yuabzheng-1S upper stage.

It's the fourth mission of Yuanzheng-1S.

 

[escobar]

China launched three low-orbit communication technologies verification satellites by a CZ-2C rocket in Jiuquan Satellites Launching Center at 18:30 UTC+8, May 20, 2022. The satellites would be used to perform in-orbit communication technologies tests.

This is the 421st launching mission of CZ series rockets and 17th launch of the year.
View attachment 89088
View attachment 89089
View attachment 89090
View attachment 89091

2 satellites are from Chang Guang Satellite Technology, the operator of the Jilin-1 Earth observation satellite constellation. China's private space companies getting into the national low Earth orbit communications megaconstellation pie as well

 

[SEAD]

"低轨通信试验卫星", literally "low orbit communication test satellite".

The report by CNSA did not mentioned the official names, which usually a combination of words and numbers.

Maybe they are for military purpose so they left the satellites unnamed.

No, just some Starlink-like low orbit communication satellites for test. China is planning a big constellation and I believe they are competing for the big contract.

 

[taxiya]

2 satellites are from Chang Guang Satellite Technology, the operator of the Jilin-1 Earth observation satellite constellation. China's private space companies getting into the national low Earth orbit communications megaconstellation pie as well

I did not find anywhere saying that it is Chang Guang. But I think Chang Guang is not private. Not private in the western sense at least.

Chang Guang is founded by CAS Chang Chun optic research institute. Besides CAS share holding, Jilin Provincial government (state asset bureau) is another major share holder. It has investment from outside of state asset. But the state (CAS and Jilin province) still has the dominate share. It is more accurately a state controlled company with private (person or entity) investment. It is a common practice of majority of Chinese SOEs.

P.S. I am not against private sectors, but must get things straight.

 

[escobar]

I did not find anywhere saying that it is Chang Guang. But I think Chang Guang is not private. Not private in the western sense at least.

Chang Guang is founded by CAS Chang Chun optic research institute. Besides CAS share holding, Jilin Provincial government (state asset bureau) is another major share holder. It has investment from outside of state asset. But the state (CAS and Jilin province) still has the dominate share. It is more accurately a state controlled company with private (person or entity) investment. It is a common practice of majority of Chinese SOEs.

P.S. I am not against private sectors, but must get things straight.

Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!

 

[KYli]

Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!

 

[by78]

The first image shows the wireless camera the Zhurong rover used to take that famous selfie. The camera was deployed on the surface soon after the rover touched down on Mars.

 

[siegecrossbow]

 

[anzha]

Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!

 

[anzha]

One more saved from this week:

Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!