In a significant advancement for commercial space operations, a group of 18 low Earth orbit satellites was launched early Wednesday from the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in south China's Hainan Province. The mission, carried by the Long March-8 Y6 carrier rocket from the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), successfully placed the satellites into their preset orbit.
This fifth group of satellites is set to join the commercial internet constellation, Spacesail, underscoring the growing capabilities in Asia's space ventures. The launch also marked an important milestone with the inaugural use of the site’s No. 1 launch pad, following the first mission from the No. 2 pad in November 2024.
The No. 1 pad, an 83-meter-tall structure tailored for the Long March-8 rocket, boasts an innovative modular steel design and a dual-direction flame deflection cone, which aids in both cooling and noise reduction. These technological enhancements facilitate rapid reuse with a seven-day launch and reset cycle, meeting the surging demand for low- and medium-Earth orbit missions.
Construction of the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site began in July 2022 and reached its operational milestone with its first mission in November 2024. With Phase II construction now underway, the site is poised to further contribute to technological and commercial advancements across Asia. This mission also marks the 563rd flight of the Long March rocket family, a pillar of China's space transport system.
This achievement reflects the dynamic progress in the region's space and innovation sectors, offering promising opportunities for academic research, business investments, and cultural collaborations on a global scale.
