China advanced its space-based internet infrastructure on Thursday with the successful deployment of 21 low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi Province. The launch, conducted at 3:38 a.m. local time, utilized a modified Long March-6 rocket capable of carrying payloads to sun-synchronous orbits at 700-kilometer altitudes.
Developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, this upgraded rocket model supports flexible launch configurations including single, paired, and stacked satellite deployments. With a payload capacity of 4.5 tonnes, the system demonstrates China’s growing technical prowess in commercial space operations.
This mission marks the 637th flight of the Long March rocket series, underscoring the program’s role in supporting global connectivity initiatives. The newly deployed satellites will join an existing constellation designed to provide enhanced internet coverage worldwide, particularly benefiting remote regions.
Space industry analysts note this development could strengthen China’s position in the competitive satellite internet market while supporting digital infrastructure development across Asia and beyond.
