China has taken a significant leap in its space endeavors by successfully launching four new satellites for the Tianqi Constellation. On Thursday, from the waters near east China's Shandong Province, the satellites were sent into a low-Earth orbit at an altitude of 850 kilometers and an inclination of 45 degrees.
The satellite batch, named Tianqi 33-36, was launched atop a sea-based version of the commercial CERES-1 rocket developed by the Chinese private firm Galactic Energy. This marks the fourth launch of this type of carrier rocket, showcasing China's advancing capabilities in commercial space launches.
Revolutionizing IoT with the Tianqi Constellation
The Tianqi Constellation stands as China's first low-orbit Internet of Things (IoT) data communication constellation. Comprising an initial phase of 38 satellites, it is designed to provide global coverage with features such as miniaturization, low power consumption, and cost-effectiveness.
This constellation aims to offer consumer-grade satellite IoT data services to users worldwide, spanning space, air, ground, and sea. Its applications are vast, impacting industries like forestry, agriculture, emergency response, tourism, water conservancy, electric power, oil, marine ecology, smart cities, and the digital economy.
Galactic Energy's Milestone Achievements
Galactic Energy, the company behind the CERES-1 rocket, has been a rising star in China's private space sector. To date, the firm has completed 15 commercial rocket launch missions, successfully delivering 58 commercial satellites with diverse functions into their intended orbits.
The CERES-1 rocket is notably the only commercial rocket model in China capable of being launched from both land and sea platforms. Beyond the CERES-1, Galactic Energy is accelerating the development of its reusable liquid carrier rocket, the PALLAS-1, signaling a move towards more sustainable and cost-effective space launches in the future.
The successful launch of the Tianqi satellites not only underscores China's growing prowess in space technology but also promises to enhance global connectivity through advanced IoT services.
Reference(s):
China's commercial rocket sends new batch of satellites into orbit
cgtn.com
