China launches internet technology test satellites

INA - SOURCES

China conducted a new launch for a nebulous series of internet technology test satellites.

A Long March 2D rocket lifted off at 12:00 a.m. (0400 UTC) on April 1 from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert. 

Insulation tiles fell away from the payload fairing as the rocket climbed into a clear blue sky, propelled by a hypergolic exhaust plume.

The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), a state-owned rocket maker, announced the success of the launch, revealing the payload to be a satellite Internet technology test satellite (wexing hulianwang jishu shiyan weixing).

According to SAST, the satellite will be used mainly for technical tests and verification of direct-to-cell satellite broadband and space-ground network integration. The company did not provide further details or images of the satellite.

The Radio Management Bureau of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) reported that the launch carried four internet satellite test satellites, designated 0001-0004, carrying Ka and other frequency band payloads.