A group of 18 low Earth orbit satellites was successfully launched aboard the Long March-8 Y6 rocket from the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in southern China on Wednesday. This marks the fifth batch of satellites to form China’s commercial internet constellation, Spacesail. The launch is notable for being the first from the site’s newly completed No. 1 launch pad, following the inaugural launch from the No. 2 pad in November 2024. This dual-pad setup indicates China’s commercial spaceport is now ready for future missions.
The No. 1 pad, designed specifically for the Long March-8 rocket, features advanced technology, including a modular steel structure and a dual-direction flame deflection cone to reduce noise and enhance reuse capabilities. The site supports a rapid seven-day launch and reset cycle to meet growing demand.
Construction of the Hainan spaceport began in July 2022, and the phase II expansion is currently underway. The Long March-8 rocket, developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, is a medium-lift vehicle designed for cost-effective, multi-satellite launches. This launch marks the 563rd mission for the Long March rocket family, which is central to China’s space operations.
Source – CGTN
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