Traffic VDES A & B
Kuaizhou 1A
ExPace
Mission
Traffic VDES A & B
- Type: Technology
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
Two technology demonstration satellites for satellite transmissions of signals for the VHF Data Exchange System (VDES), a successor to the current Automatic Identification System (AIS) on ships and maritime vessels for traffic management at sea with higher bandwidth on new frequencies for secure communications and e-navigation.
This project is a joint effort by the China Ministry of Transport's China Transport Telecommunications Information Center and SpaceSail, operator of the Qianfan/G60 constellation.
Location
Launch Area 95A
Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China
Launch Area 95A has witnessed the launch of 65 rockets, including 65 orbital launch attempts. While Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China, has been the site for 277 rocket launches.
Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center is a Chinese spaceport located between the Ejin, Alxa, Inner Mongolia and Hangtian Town, Jinta County, Jiuquan, Gansu Province. It is part of the Dongfeng Aerospace City (Base 10).
Rocket
ExPace Kuaizhou 1A
Kuaizhou is a family of Chinese "quick-reaction" orbital launch vehicles. Flying since 2013, Kuaizhou 1 and 1A consist of three solid-fueled rocket stages, with a liquid-fueled fourth stage as part of the satellite system.
Agency
ExPace
ExPace is a Chinese space rocket company based in Wuhan, Hubei, China. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of missileer China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), a Chinese state-owned company, and serves as its commercial rocket division. ExPace is focused on small satellite launchers to low Earth orbit.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the ExPace Kuaizhou 1A Traffic VDES A & B launch scheduled?
The ExPace Kuaizhou 1A Traffic VDES A & B launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the ExPace Kuaizhou 1A Traffic VDES A & B mission launch from?
The ExPace Kuaizhou 1A rocket launched from Launch Area 95A at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China. Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center is a Chinese spaceport located between the Ejin, Alxa, Inner Mongolia and Hangtian Town, Jinta County, Jiuquan, Gansu Province. It is part of the Dongfeng Aerospace City (Base 10).
What rocket was used for the Traffic VDES A & B mission?
The Traffic VDES A & B mission launched aboard a ExPace Kuaizhou 1A rocket. Kuaizhou is a family of Chinese "quick-reaction" orbital launch vehicles. Flying since 2013, Kuaizhou 1 and 1A consist of three solid-fueled rocket stages, with a liquid-fueled fourth stage as part of the satellite system. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the ExPace Kuaizhou 1A Traffic VDES A & B launch?
The ExPace Kuaizhou 1A Traffic VDES A & B launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the ExPace Kuaizhou 1A Traffic VDES A & B launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest ExPace Kuaizhou 1A launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Traffic VDES A & B mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official ExPace live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.
