China has successfully sent nine satellites into orbit in its first commercial launch of a rocket from a platform at sea. Sea launches reduce the risk of used rocket stages returning to Earth and posing a danger to inhabited areas. Sea launch platforms are expected to increase the number of China’s launch areas, improve launch efficiency, and make launches safer and more flexible.
The satellites, one of which belonged to video-sharing platform Bilibili, were deployed by a Long March 11 rocket from the Yellow Sea on Sept 15, 2020.
The Long March 11, designed to be deployed quickly and from mobile launch sites such as a ship, is mainly used to carry small satellites. The rocket made its first sea launch in June 2019.
China has made its space programme a top priority in recent years as it races to catch up with the United States and become a major space power by 2030.
Courtesy: Reuters, Sept 16, 2020