Launch details
Kuaizhou-1A | Traffic VDES A & B
Launch details
Kuaizhou-1A | Traffic VDES A & B
Launch Area 95A
Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center
Dec 05 at 04:54pm
Launchpad time•+0800
Dec 05 at 08:54am
Your local time•+0000
Current status
Launch Successful
Kuaizhou-1A
Launch vehicle
Traffic VDES A & B
Mission
Get notification
24 hours before launch
Get notification
1 hour before launch
Note: For all launches the scheduled launch dates and times are subject to change due to weather, equipment, crew and other factors.
Mission description
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.
— Traffic VDES A & B
Livestream
Attending a launch in person
Chinese spaceports are generally closed to foreigners so I don't have much information, please reach out if you know more. For Chinese citizens a permit can be booked with CASC for a fee, typically around $20 USD.
How to get there
The closest commercial airport is Jiayuguan Airport in Jiayuguan. From there take a 3-hour train or bus to Jiuquan.
Once in Jiuquan the launch site is approximately 4-hours drive by rental car northwest of the city.
Accomodation
Nearby hotels in Jiuquan or a bit further in Jiayuguan.
Nearby parking
Parking available on-site.
Agency details