China’s Lijian-1 Y12 Rocket Successfully Launches 8 Satellites, Kicking Off Annual Scheduled Launches

It is learned from CAS Space Technology Co., Ltd. that at 12:03 on April 14, the Lijian-1 Y12 carrier rocket developed by CAS Space ignited and lifted off from the Dongfeng Commercial Aerospace Innovation Test Area, successfully sending 8 satellites including the Jixing Gaofen 07A02 satellite into their predetermined orbits in a "one rocket, eight satellites" manner, with the launch mission achieving complete success.

According to People’s Network, all 8 satellites launched this time are high-resolution optical remote sensing satellites, featuring three core characteristics: ultra-high resolution, high integration and intelligence. With outstanding image acquisition capability, the satellite model can collect high-definition panchromatic images with high resolution, support in-orbit stereo imaging and agile imaging, cover five spectral bands including panchromatic, blue, green, red and near-infrared, and include imaging modes such as conventional push-broom, stereo imaging, strip mosaicking and inertial space imaging.

These satellites are capable of providing high-precision and multi-dimensional image data support for relevant businesses. Developed by Changguang Satellite Technology Co., Ltd., the Jixing Gaofen 07A02 satellite, one of the launched satellites, adopts an on-board deep integration concept, equipped with a new-generation multi-core processor and on-board AI architecture, which can obtain images with a resolution better than 0.5 meters and quickly respond to various tasks such as hot-spot imaging.

The Lijian-1 carrier rocket, China’s largest solid carrier rocket in terms of take-off weight, mainly targets the micro-satellite launch market, providing diversified launch services such as "special car", "carpool" and "ride-hailing" to accurately meet diverse launch needs, and is committed to providing cost-effective and high-experience launch service solutions for global users.

Shi Xiaoning, chief designer of the Lijian-1 rocket, introduced that the "special car" launch adopts an exclusive whole-rocket customization plan, which can tailor personalized indicators such as orbit parameters and launch windows according to satellite characteristics, realizing rapid scheduling, assembly and launch, and greatly shortening the cycle from signing to orbit entry.

According to Xinhua News Agency, this mission is the 12th flight of the Lijian-1 carrier rocket, which has successfully sent more than 90 satellites into space with a total in-orbit payload mass exceeding 12 tons. The success of this mission has fully kicked off the annual scheduled launch of this type of rocket.

Meng Xiangfu, deputy commander-in-chief of the Lijian-1 rocket, noted that the rocket adopts a pulsating and rhythmic production mode, with an annual output of more than 10 rockets and the assembly and test cycle shortened to one month. Relying on the dedicated launch pad and technical workshop of CAS Space in the Dongfeng Commercial Aerospace Innovation Test Area, the Lijian-1 has realized scheduled operation, compressing the launch site test and launch cycle to 10 days.