03 April 2020
China will launch the first two communications satellites for its space-based Internet-of-Things (IoT) project in mid to late April, with one satellite named after its birthplace Wuhan, according to the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC). The satellite will become part of the planned 156 satellite Xingyun constellation, orbiting Earth at around 1,000 km height. Xingyun could be completed by the end of 2025.
The rocket to send the satellites, Kuaizhou-1A, was developed by the Wuhan-based Sanjiang Group under the CASIC. Despite its proximity to the epicenter of the novel coronavirus epidemic, the company staff worked hard to ensure the success of the mission.
MORE...
The rocket will get a special painting, featuring the medical workers and other relevant support force. For an illustration of the rocket, please have a look at our Facebook page.