LM-2D Launched SaudiSat 5A & SaudiSat 5B Successfully

At 12:12 Beijing time on December 7th, 2018, SaudiSat 5A & SaudiSat 5B were successfully launched into the predicted orbit onboard a LM-2D Launch Vehicle from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (JSLC), along with 10 piggyback satellites.

This launch is another successful cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia in spacefield after the piggyback launch of the Lunar Camera Payload for Saudi Arabia on Chang'e 4 Tracking and Data Relay Satellite launch mission.

This Launch mission was implemented by CGWIC, which follows the spirit of the Memorandum of understanding on Space Science and Technology cooperation signed between the governments of China and Saudi Arabia in 2013.

SaudiSat 5A & SaudiSat 5B are two remote sensing satellites designed and manufactured by the King Abdulaziz City for Science & Technology(KACST), and SaudiSat 5A & SaudiSat 5B are also the largest earth observation satellites designed and manufactured by Saudi Arabia. KACST is Saudi Arabia's national scientific institution under the direct leadership of the Saudi Arabian government, and owns state-level laboratories. KACST's research activities cover broad and different areas including aviation and space,and it plays a key role in the scientific research projects in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.

Among the 10 piggyback payloads, 7 were Internet of Things technology verifi cation satellites designed and manufactured by Beijing Commsat Technology Development Co., Ltd., and 3 were new technology for remote sensing experiment satellites designed and manufactured by Spacety Co., Ltd. (Changsha).

To fulfill the launch market requirement for small satellites, CGWIC offers“Long March express” services using mature Long March Launch Vehicles which is highly cost-effective. CGWIC can provide a rapid, stable and reliable“one-stop” launch service for all customers with the options of constellation network launch, dedicated launch, piggyback launch and cluster launch.

In 2018, CGWIC launched 35 satellites through 10 launch missions.CGWIC obtained customer recognition by providing sincere and thoughtful services. Based on the experience and mature business model accumulated with international competition, CGWIC will continue to provide complete space solutions including launch services,satellite manufacture, ground system construction and operation services, to domestic and international customers together with its partners.

The LM-2D launch vehicle was developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST). This was its second flight in 17 days, making a record of the shortest interval period for a liquid rocket launching satellites from a single station in China.

This was the 293rd flight of the LM series launch vehicle as well as the 33rd flight of the LM series launch vehicle in 2018. (CGWIC)

SaudiSat 5A & SaudiSat 5B are being put into orbit by a LM-2D launch vehiclePhoto: WU Jiadong