China's Kuaizhou-1A sent another two multimedia satellites into space on Sunday after the successful launch of a remote sensing satellite on Wednesday, according to China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). The two satellites have already entered the pre-set orbit by the time of release.
The rocket, carrying the satellites named KL-α-A, KL-α-B, blasted off from northwestern China's Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center at 18:00 p.m. BJT. The two satellites atop were developed by the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of Chinese Academy of Sciences to conduct Ka-band communication technology test for German customers.
According to European Space Agency, Ka-band is for communication satellites, high-resolution, close-range targeting radars on military aircraft.
Photo via ESA
The KZ-1A was developed from the Kuaizhou-1 rocket with improvements in adaptability. It is a low-cost solid-fueled carrier rocket with high reliability, and was designed to launch low-orbit satellites weighing less than 300 kg.