China advanced its satellite internet capabilities with the successful launch of 18 low-orbit satellites late Tuesday from Hainan's commercial spacecraft launch site. The Long March-8A rocket, developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, delivered the payload into a 700 km sun-synchronous orbit at 11:25 p.m. local time.
This mission marks the 625th flight of the Long March series, underscoring the program's reliability. The 50.5-meter rocket, weighing 371 tonnes at liftoff, demonstrates China's growing capacity to deploy medium- and low-orbit constellations critical for global internet coverage.
Analysts note this launch strengthens China's position in the competitive satellite internet sector, with potential applications ranging from rural connectivity to maritime communications. The development aligns with Beijing's broader digital infrastructure goals announced earlier this year.
Business leaders anticipate the network could create new opportunities in Asia's tech sector, particularly for IoT applications and 5G integration. The project also raises questions about international collaboration in space-based internet services as global demand grows.
