A Chinese Long March 2D will launch the third LKW (Ludikancha Weixing) “Land Survey Satellite” capable of high-resolution imagery collection. Given the deployment speed and architecture of the LKW System, the program appears to fit the typical Chinese pattern of flying reconnaissance satellites under the cover of civilian Earth observation and environmental monitoring missions. LKW-1 and 2, both launching in December 2017, both operate from the same orbital plane at 180-degree separation and LKW-3 is expected to join the constellation to further enhance its revisit capabilities. SaudiSat-5B, a ~200-Kilogram Saudi-Arabian imaging satellite, is reportedly flying as a secondary payload.

Mission Resources:

? Related: Second LKW “Land Survey Satellite” Launched by Chinese Long March 2D Rocket

☂ Launch Weather

? Launch Site Schedule