China launches the Jilin-1 Gaofen 02F satellite on top a Kuaizhou-1A carrier rocket at 2:19 pm, Oct 27, 2021, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the northwestern Gansu province. [Photo by Wang Jiangbo/chinadaily.com.cn]

JIUQUAN -- China on Wednesday sent a new satellite into space from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the northwestern Gansu province.

The Jilin-1 Gaofen 02F satellite was launched by a Kuaizhou 1A (KZ-1A) carrier rocket at 2:19 pm (Beijing Time) and entered the planned orbit.

It is an optical remote sensing satellite that can provide high resolution images and high-speed data transmission.

Kuaizhou 1A, which is Chinese for fast ship, is a low-cost small solid-fuel carrier rocket that has a short preparation period. Developed by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, the rocket is designed to launch low-orbit satellites weighing under 300 kg.

Since their first commercial mission in 2017, KZ-1A rockets have sent 21 satellites into space.

Wednesday's launch was the 12th mission by Kuaizhou 1A series rockets, according to the launch center.