China's commercial space sector achieved another milestone as the Gravity-1 rocket blasted off from waters near Haiyang, Shandong Province, on Saturday. The launch marks the vehicle's second successful maritime mission since its January 2024 debut, signaling growing capabilities in flexible launch solutions.
Operated by the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, the rocket delivered three satellites into orbit at 10:20 a.m. Beijing Time. The payload included a wide-field observation satellite and two experimental spacecraft designed for technological verification – a configuration reflecting China's expanding commercial space applications.
Maritime launches offer distinct advantages for equatorial orbit deployments and reduced logistical constraints. 'This achievement demonstrates China's progress in creating adaptable launch systems that can serve diverse market needs,' said space industry analyst Zhang Wei, who tracks commercial aerospace developments.
The mission follows China's recent acceleration of public-private partnerships in space technology, with commercial launch providers now accounting for 38% of the country's orbital attempts in 2024 according to industry reports.
