Kuaizhou-1A

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Kuaizhou Aerospace
Kuaizhou Aerospace
Kuaizhou-1A

Overview

Small-lift, solid-propellant launch vehicle (with a liquid upper stage) designed for rapid, low-cost small-satellite missions that can be prepared in hours. The upgraded 1A Pro adds a wider fairing and higher payload.

ExPace's most-flown rocket, with 31 launches (two failures) since 2017; the 1A Pro variant debuted in December 2024, flight 30 launched a Pakistani satellite in July 2025, and flight 31 launched a pair of maritime VDES navigation satellites in December 2025.

Key Specs

Payload to LEO

400 kg (450 kg on 1A Pro)

Payload to SSO

200–250 kg

Length

~19.4 m

Propellant

Solid (liquid upper stage)

Launches

31 (2 failures)

First Flight

Jan 9, 2017