The Kuaizhou 1A (KZ-1A) is a Chinese commercial small-lift orbital launch vehicle, developed by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC). It is part of the Kuaizhou family of rockets, originally designed as quick-response military payload carriers. The Kuaizhou 1A was created to offer a more commercially viable version, targeting the growing small satellite launch market. It is a solid-fueled rocket with a high degree of reliability and rapid launch capability, which allows it to deploy payloads into low Earth orbit (LEO) within a short preparation time.

Specs

Height: 19.4 meters (63.6 feet)

Diameter: 1.4 meters (4.6 feet)

Liftoff Mass: 30 metric tons

Payload to Low Earth Orbit (LEO): 300 kg (661 lbs) to 200-300 km altitude

Payload to Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO): 200 kg (440 lbs) to 700 km altitude

Stages: 3 solid-fuel stages + 1 liquid-fuel upper stage

The KZ-1A stands out due to its compact size and relatively low cost, making it appealing to customers needing to launch small satellites, including those for Earth observation, communication, and technology demonstration purposes. It is capable of carrying payloads up to about 200 kg to a 700 km Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). The Kuaizhou 1A's operational flexibility and ability to be launched from mobile platforms add to its appeal for both governmental and commercial clients, making it a key player in China’s expanding commercial space sector.

The rocket made its maiden flight on January 9, 2017, and has seen several successful launches since then, showcasing its effectiveness in placing small satellites into orbit.

Mobile Launcher Pad

This launch pad is used by CASIC's Kuaizhou-1A rocket to launch from Xichang.

Xichang Satellite Launch Center

The center was built in the early 1980s and takes its name from the closest major city, Xichang, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China.

The space center is used to launch international scientific, civilian, and military satellites.

Xichang is not without controversy. In 1996, it was the site of a deadly launch accident when a rocket flew off course and crashed into an un-evacuated village 1.2 km away.

In 2007, it was used to launch an anti-satellite missile test which destroyed a satellite in low Earth orbit. The test created thousands of pieces of debris that were very hard to track and was criticized for the danger it potentially placed the crew of the International Space Station in.