The Qinling-01 and Qinling-02 satellites, developed under the guidance of Northwestern Polytechnical University (NWPU), were successfully launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center at 12:03 Beijing Time on September 20. The satellites lifted off aboard the Lijian-1 Y-18 carrier rocket.

Qinling-01 separated from the rocket after 728 seconds, followed by Qinling-02 at 752 seconds. Both satellites were accurately placed into their designated orbits and are functioning well. Faculty and students from NWPU attended the launch, congratulating the development team led by chief designer Professor Zhou Jun.

Weighing 150 kilograms each and designed for a five-year service life, the satellites are equipped with advanced cameras for high-resolution imaging. They operate in a 500-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit.

NWPU will manage the satellites using its dual-center ground network in Xi’an and Ningbo. This includes in-orbit tests, telemetry, tracking, command operations, data reception, and innovative applications.

The Qinling satellite project, approved in 2022 by the Shaanxi Provincial Development and Reform Commission, aims to support ecological protection of the Qinling Mountains and regional development. These satellites also serve as a key public-data infrastructure for Shaanxi province.

The Qinling Constellation will eventually include 36 satellites, providing high-resolution remote sensing for the Qinling Mountains and Yellow River basin.

NWPU’s School of Astronautics has developed innovative satellite technologies and platforms, including micro-satellites and CubeSats. These platforms have applications in remote sensing, communications, and space science.

Led by Professor Zhou Jun, NWPU’s team has established a comprehensive technical support system and launched multiple satellites, contributing significantly to China’s space capabilities. The team’s infrastructure supports various academic fields at NWPU and strengthens China’s position in space exploration.