Kuaizhou 1A | PRSC-S1
Kuaizhou 1A • Kuaizhou
📝 Mission Description
China's Kuaizhou 1A Rocket Launches Pakistan's PRSC-S1 Satellite
On July 31, 2025, China's Kuaizhou 1A rocket successfully lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, deploying the PRSC-S1 Earth observation satellite into orbit. This mission, a collaboration between China's ExPace Technology Corporation and Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), marks a significant step in international space partnerships, enhancing Pakistan's remote sensing capabilities amid growing global demand for satellite data.
The primary objective of the PRSC-S1 mission is to provide high-resolution Earth observation data for applications in environmental monitoring, urban planning, agriculture, and disaster management. Built by Chinese engineers, the satellite features advanced optical imaging systems capable of capturing multispectral images with resolutions as fine as 1 meter in panchromatic mode and 4 meters in multispectral mode. This allows for detailed mapping of land use, crop health assessment, and real-time monitoring of natural disasters like floods or earthquakes—critical for a country like Pakistan, which faces frequent climate-related challenges. With an expected operational lifespan of five years in a sun-synchronous orbit at approximately 700 kilometers altitude, PRSC-S1 builds on the legacy of earlier Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellites, offering improved data accuracy and revisit times to support national security and economic development initiatives.
At the heart of the launch is the Kuaizhou 1A rocket, a solid-fueled, mobile launch vehicle designed for rapid deployment and cost-effective missions. Developed by ExPace, a subsidiary of the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), the Kuaizhou 1A stands about 20 meters tall and weighs around 30 tons at liftoff. It consists of four stages: three solid-propellant stages for initial ascent and a liquid-fueled upper stage for precise orbital insertion. The rocket's payload capacity reaches up to 300 kilograms to low Earth orbit (LEO), making it ideal for small to medium satellites. Its key innovation lies in its "quick response" design, enabling launches within hours of preparation, thanks to a transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) system that allows mobility and reduces reliance on fixed infrastructure. This agility minimizes weather delays and enhances operational flexibility, distinguishing it from larger, more complex rockets like the Long March series.
The Kuaizhou 1A has a robust performance history since its maiden flight in 2017. As of mid-2025, it has completed over
ℹ️ Official Details
Chinese built Earth observation satellite for Pakistan’s SUPARCO (Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission).
🎯 Post-Launch Analysis
The Kuaizhou 1A mission, launched on July 31, 2025, achieved a successful orbital insertion and payload deployment of PRSC-S1, a Chinese-built Earth observation satellite for Pakistan’s SUPARCO. The rocket demonstrated robust technical performance, executing a precise ascent and delivering the payload into its intended orbit without anomalies. Payload deployment was seamless, with the satellite now operational for remote sensing tasks. Key engineering outcomes include validation of the Kuaizhou 1A’s reliability for international partnerships and its capacity for cost-effective, rapid-response launches. This success strengthens China-Pakistan space collaboration and highlights the rocket’s adaptability for small-to-medium payloads. For future missions, this mission underscores the potential for expanded cooperation in Earth observation programs and sets a benchmark for streamlined launch operations, potentially influencing mission planning and international contracts in the region.