China advanced its space infrastructure on March 13, 2026, with the successful deployment of 20 low-Earth orbit internet satellites from the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site. The Long March-8A rocket lifted off at 3:48 a.m. local time, marking its sixth mission since its inaugural flight in 2025.
The 50.5-meter rocket, developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, delivered the satellites to a 700-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit. With a payload capacity of 7 tonnes, the Long March-8A has become a cornerstone for China’s constellation networking projects, offering modular design and rapid deployment capabilities critical for global connectivity initiatives.
This launch represents the 631st mission in the Long March program’s history, underscoring China’s growing role in space technology. Analysts note the project’s potential to enhance digital access across Asia and beyond, while businesses anticipate improved satellite-based services in remote regions.
