At 15:35 on August 16, 2024, the Long March 4B Yaogan-72 launch vehicle launched from Xichang Satellite Launch Center, successfully placing the Yaogan-43 (01) group of satellites into their destination orbit. 

The Long March 4B launch vehicle, which carried out this launch mission, was developed by Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology. It has the capability to launch various types of satellites with different orbital requirements, and can deploy either one satellite or multiple satellites into the orbit, with a payload capacity of no less than 2.5 tons for deploying satellites into a 700-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit.

In 2018, the Long March 4 model successfully launched Queqiao communication relay satellite for the lunar exploration program at Xichang Satellite Launch Center. After a gap of six years, the test team re-entered the launch site, where the environment and work procedures had all changed. Moreover, it was the first time for most of the team members to work at Xichang Satellite Launch Center. Faced with multiple challenges such as the increased complexity and tighter scheduling, the model team established planning in advance. They visited the launch site twice earlier in the year to coordinate and communicate with site staff in advance, and confirmed the interface status. After arriving at the launch site, the test team conducted a series of compatibility tests and fully demonstrated the team work spirit, where experienced members assisted and guided new members. They invited experienced team members to impart knowledge and experience, and conducted thorough technical briefings with the launch site personnel to quickly familiarize themselves with the various work processes at the launch site. Ultimately, they completed all tasks at the launch site without any operational errors, scoring impressive achievements again. 

As satellites are having increasing demands for the carrying capacity and envelope requirements of the launch vehicle, the Long March 4 model is also accelerating adjustments to meet market needs and continuously advancing technological innovation. To provide more space for the satellite being launched, the Long March 4 launch vehicle was provided with a 4.2-meter fairing for the first time. This has increased the envelope space from the previous small space to a large one, offering superior launch conditions and environment for the satellite. 

The mission coincided with the peak of summer, which is the hottest and most humid period of the year at Xichang Satellite Launch Center. Due to the high humidity, the launch vehicle that has just been fueled is prone to condensation on its surface, similar to a bottle of ice-cold cola taken straight from the refrigerator. A rainproof design is adopted for the whole launch vehicle. Specific measures include various sealing treatments for critical parts such as electrical connectors and joint surfaces on the airframe, and drainage holes are provided for the long fairing to ensure the successful execution of the mission.

This launch mission is the 106^th launch of the Long March 4 series of launch vehicles, the 215^th launch of the Long March series of launch vehicles developed by Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, and the 531^st launch of the Long March series of launch vehicles. 

Yaogan-43 E03 satellite was developed by Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology. A low-cost, short-cycle, and rapid development model was adopted for the development of the satellite. The development team was streamlined in size but maintained very high efficiency. With simplified and optimized development processes, they successfully completed all tasks from project initiation to satellite delivery in about a year.

In response to the shortage of resources at the launch site, the test team had intense discussions in the data room or electrical measurement room as meeting rooms, and conducted whole satellite testing with a strong sense of responsibility to ensure “flawless success”. They worked late into the night for several days, staying at their posts even into the early hours. All members of the test team demonstrated the spirit of aerospace with their unity, determination, and collaboration.

To meet the need for one-step rapid development of the flight model, the design team led the way in establishing a modular design plan at the beginning of project initiation, providing a solid foundation for the rapid development of the satellite. The development team adopted MBD-AIT and digital APPs, which significantly reduced the design error rate. They planned various specialized validation tests to identify and assess potential risks of new technologies in advance. They carefully planned the satellite integration testing project and continuously optimized the AIT process. Within a limited timeframe, they overcame a series of challenges, including rapid changes in technical conditions, difficulties in the availability of supporting products, and severe personnel conflicts, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the testing. The development team worked tirelessly and dedicated themselves fully, and completed the development work of the satellite in just one year, exploring a new model for rapid satellite development.