Beijing Finishes 'Exporting' a Satellite to Southeast Asia for First Time

The CZ-6C Y1 carrier rocket lifts off from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center at 11:21 on August 25.

[Photo via Xinhua News Agency]

At 11:21 on August 25, the CZ-6C Y1 carrier rocket lifted off from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, successfully placing seven satellites, including the AIRSAT 14, the AIRSAT 15 and the GISTDA Cube Sat 1, into their planned orbits. The launch of the GISTDA Cube Sat 1 marks the first time a Chinese commercial space company has completed the development, launch and in-orbit delivery of a satellite for a Southeast Asian country.

The GISTDA CubeSat 1 is designed to provide Thailand with earth observation data of land resources, agriculture and ecological environments. It will also support practical training in Thai universities in satellite design and development, aerospace tracking and control, and remote sensing applications.

The satellite will also serve as an important tool for talent development, technological research and knowledge exchange. Thai technical teams will receive training in China, while Chinese teams will provide hands-on instruction in Thailand. The cooperation is expected to help Thailand advance from simply using satellites to developing a deeper understanding of satellite technology, while strengthening capabilities across Thailand's aerospace sector.

The successful completion of this launch mission further proves that Chinese commercial space companies are capable of providing overseas customers with integrated solutions covering satellite delivery, in-orbit operations and technical training.

(Source: Official WeChat account of Beijing Daily)