Kinetica 1 | 7 satellites

Kinetica 1 Mission: Deploying Seven Satellites into Orbit

On August 19, 2025, the Kinetica 1 rocket lifted off from a launch site in China, marking a significant milestone in the nation's burgeoning commercial space sector. This shared-ride mission successfully deployed seven satellites into low Earth orbit, focusing on Earth observation and technological demonstrations. The payloads included a mix of domestic Chinese satellites and international contributions, underscoring the growing trend of collaborative space endeavors amid increasing demand for affordable orbital access.

The mission's objectives centered on advancing remote sensing capabilities and testing innovative satellite technologies. Leading the payload was AIRSAT-05, also known as Haishao-2, an Earth observation satellite designed for high-resolution imaging of marine environments. Equipped with advanced optical sensors, it aims to monitor ocean dynamics, coastal erosion, and maritime traffic, providing data crucial for environmental management and disaster response. Complementing this was Tianyan 26, part of China's expanding constellation for astronomical and atmospheric observations, featuring hyperspectral imaging to study climate patterns and urban development. The Duogongneng Shiyan-2 series (01-03) comprised three experimental satellites testing multifunctional platforms, including on-board AI for autonomous operations and modular designs that could enable in-orbit reconfiguration. Rounding out the manifest were ThumbSat-1 and ThumbSat-2, diminutive CubeSats developed in collaboration with Mexican researchers. These low-cost, thumbnail-sized satellites demonstrate educational outreach and rapid prototyping, carrying sensors for atmospheric data collection and serving as proof-of-concept for accessible space tech in emerging markets.

At the heart of the mission was the Kinetica 1 rocket, a solid-fueled launch vehicle developed by ExPace Technology Corporation, a subsidiary of the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC). Standing approximately 20 meters tall with a diameter of 1.4 meters, the rocket weighs about 30 tons at liftoff and is capable of delivering up to 300 kilograms to a 700-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit. Its design emphasizes rapid response and cost-efficiency, utilizing four solid rocket stages that eliminate the need for complex liquid propellant systems. This simplicity allows for quick assembly and launch preparation—often within days—making it ideal for commercial rideshare missions. Technical specifications highlight its thrust profile: the first stage generates around 120 tons of thrust, enabling a swift ascent and precise orbital insertion. The vehicle's guidance system incorporates advanced inertial navigation and GPS augmentation for accuracy, with a payload fairing