The first satellite for the Hongyan constellation was successfully launched into orbit Saturday, Nanfang Plus reported.
Developed by Shenzhen Aerospace Dongfanghong Development Ltd., the first phase of the constellation comprises hundreds of satellites and a global data-processing center with an investment of 20 billion yuan (US$2.9 billion). This is the first commercial space project at the national level by a Shenzhen company and has received the largest amount of investment.
After completion, the constellation will provide services in various areas, including Internet of Things (IoT), intelligent terminals, mobile broadcast, navigation enhancement and broadband. The service system is able to connect almost everything at any time, the report said.
The satellite launched Saturday is a prototype of the Hongyan constellation, which took only six months to finish. The research team overcame obstacles such as a lack of human resources and research equipment to optimize the process and ensure its efficiency, according to the report.
As a significant team in the production of small satellites for commercial use, Shenzhen Dongfanghong made innovations to form its own system featuring cost-effective core technologies, which also constituted a reason for its rapid research and development.