China’s private aerospace company Galactic Energy successfully launched three commercial satellites into orbit on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.
The satellites were carried by a CERES-1 Y13 rocket in a mission code-named “Love on Top,” marking the company’s third launch within a span of ten days. This rapid succession underscores China’s growing capabilities in the commercial space sector.
The payload consisted of one imaging satellite, the TEE-01B, and two remote sensing satellites for technology verification, named NS-3 A and NS-3 B. These satellites are expected to enhance imaging and remote sensing capabilities, contributing to various applications such as environmental monitoring, urban planning, and disaster management.
Notably, the upper stage of the rocket, dubbed Eros-1, has been repurposed as an on-orbit test platform. This innovative approach provides a cost-effective and convenient environment for testing new technologies, components, and products in space. The platform is designed to operate for over six months, facilitating extended experiments and technological development.
This launch signifies a significant milestone for Galactic Energy and reflects the rapid advancement of China’s private space industry. The successful deployment of these satellites not only demonstrates technical proficiency but also contributes to the expansion of commercial space activities in Asia.
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China's private space company launches 3 satellites into orbit
cgtn.com
