China advanced its space infrastructure ambitions with the successful launch of 11 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center on Saturday evening. The deployment marks the 11th batch in a planned constellation designed to enhance global internet connectivity, part of Beijing's broader strategy to strengthen its technological footprint in orbital space.
The satellites were carried by a modified Long March-6 rocket, lifting off at 8:40 p.m. Beijing Time. Analysts note this launch aligns with China's 14th Five-Year Plan objectives to develop 'ubiquitous connectivity' through integrated space-ground networks. The constellation could eventually comprise over 10,000 satellites, rivaling similar projects by international competitors.
This launch demonstrates our steady progress in building next-generation space infrastructure, which will benefit digital transformation across industries globally,
said a spokesperson from the launch center, speaking on condition of anonymity per standard protocol.
For investors, the project signals growing opportunities in downstream applications like IoT and smart logistics. Researchers highlight potential environmental monitoring applications through high-frequency Earth observation capabilities.
