China kicked off 2024 with a notable achievement in space by placing the first satellite constellation of the year into orbit. This milestone was reported by TASS and highlights the role of the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation in advancing national space capabilities.
According to CASIC, the Tianmu-1 meteorological satellites were launched by ExPace Technology, a private subsidiary working in collaboration with a state program. The operation took place at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center at 19:20 local time, which corresponds to 14:20 Moscow time. The mission employed the Kuaizhou-1A carrier rocket to deliver the payloads into their intended orbits. Once in place, the satellites are expected to support commercial transmission of weather data and related meteorological information, contributing to more timely and accurate forecasts for users and institutions relying on weather services.
Earlier discussions had highlighted China’s ambitious plans to expand its satellite network, including the overall G60 Starlink project concept. The aim is to establish a broad communications network capable of supporting Internet services that could offer competition to existing networks in the market. The initiative envisions a future where more robust space-based connectivity plays a central role in global communications—an objective that has drawn interest from both domestic and international observers.
The project involves Shanghai Gesi Aerospace Technology, a state-backed entity known for its role in the broader microsatellite ecosystem. Gesi Aerospace was established in 2022 by the Microsatellite Innovation Academy, an organization connected to the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This collaboration underscores the emphasis placed on research, development, and industrialization of small satellite technologies within China’s aerospace strategy.
In a related note, China has recently conducted additional space activities, including the launch of three research satellites in December. These missions collectively illustrate a sustained effort to strengthen both scientific understanding and practical applications of satellite technology across weather, communications, and data collection domains. The ongoing expansion of domestic capabilities signals a broader trend toward more autonomous space operations and a diversified portfolio of satellite services.