China launched the Ceres-1 (Gushenxing-1) sea-launch variant, flight Y8, from waters near Rizhao in Shandong at 11:39 a.m. on Oct. 21 and placed the Xiguang-4 01 satellite in its planned orbit. Xinhua called the flight-test mission a complete success.
According to Xinhua and Guangming Online, the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center conducted the launch, and the rocket lifted off from waters near Rizhao. The payload, Xiguang-4 01, is a single satellite that entered its planned orbit smoothly. The mission was described as a flight test.
광고 문의 · 300×250Content relayed by Ifeng says Xiguang-4 01 aims to provide global users with all-weather remote-sensing big-data services and application solutions, and stresses high spatial, temporal and spectral resolution. The satellite’s builder and detailed orbital parameters were not given in the reports this newspaper checked.
The 24th flight and Rizhao’s second launch this year
Ifeng reports this was the 24th flight of the Ceres-1 launch vehicle family. It was the second rocket launch from Rizhao this year and the eighth sea-launch support mission carried out there by Shandong Sea Commercial Space Launch Service Co. The cumulative number of sea-launch flights was not stated in the reports checked.
The previous sea launch in the series was flight Y7 on Jan. 16 this year. Xinhua reported at the time that it put satellites of the Tianqi constellation, group 06, into their planned orbit. With Y8, the sea-launch variant has been flown repeatedly within a single year.
What sea launch offers, and its limits
Chinese outlets have explained that launching from a sea platform reduces the constraints of land-based drop zones and can suit different orbital inclinations. This report also highlighted the cumulative mission count of the maritime service company that supported the launch.
The commercial launch market, however, is decided by cost, frequency and reliability. The launch was announced as a success, but launch costs and the rocket maker’s detailed plans did not appear in the cited reports and this newspaper could not confirm them. Comparisons with small launchers in other countries will have to wait for further public data.