China launches four Tianmu-1 satellites to form weather constellation

China launched a new set of four satellites as part of the Tianmu-1 weather constellation into space on December 25.

A Kuaizhou-1A carrier rocket, carrying the No. 11, 12, 13, and 14 satellites, blasted off at 9:00 a.m. Beijing Time from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Xinhua reports.

These satellites have successfully entered their preset orbit and will be utilized to provide commercial meteorological data services.

Tianmu-1 01 and 02 were launched on January 9, followed by satellites 03-06 on March 22, and satellites 07-10 on July 20. The Tianmu-1 satellite constellation aims to collect global atmosphere data for comprehensive detection of the ocean, atmosphere and ionosphere worldwide at all times.

This launch on December 25 marks the 23rd flight mission conducted by the Kuaizhou-1A carrier rockets.