Landspace, a Chinese launch startup, successfully deployed six satellites into orbit on May 17th. This marked the fifth launch of their Zhuque-2 series methane-fueled rocket, specifically the enhanced Zhuque-2E variant.
The launch, originating from the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Test Area at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, northwest China, carried six Tianyi spacecraft for Spacety, a commercial satellite maker. These satellites are designed for diverse applications, including commercial C-band synthetic aperture radar imagery (Tianyi-42), optical remote sensing (Tianyi-29 and 35), and space science experiments (Tianyi-34, 45, and 46).
The mission incorporated two satellites for the Tiansuan constellation, developed under the guidance of Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications. One of these (Tianyi 45) utilizes argon ion thrusters for active deorbit control. Another (Tianyi-34) features gamma-ray burst and X-ray polarization detector payloads, along with an aurora-observing camera.
This launch represented the second flight of the Zhuque-2E, capable of carrying 4,000 kg to a 500-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit. The rocket showcased upgraded Tianque-12A engines and a niobium-tungsten alloy extended nozzle on the Tianque-15A engine in the second stage. Landspace also implemented a novel quasi-real-time wind correction trajectory design technology.
The launch is significant, adding to China's already impressive 27 orbital launches this year. It follows a series of recent launches and precedes several more scheduled in the coming weeks, highlighting a significant uptick in China's space launch activity.