China launches new batch of low-orbit internet satellites

China Daily

Updated: 2026-08-05

A Long March 8A carrier rocket, carrying the 23rd group of the low-orbit internet satellites, blasts off from the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in Wenchang, South China's Hainan province, Aug 4, 2026. [Photo/VCG]

China deployed the 23rd batch of low-orbit satellites for its State-funded internet constellation on Aug 4.

A Long March 8A carrier rocket lifted off at 4:52 pm from a launch pad at the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan province, successfully placing the satellites into their preset orbits, according to China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp, the nation's leading State-owned space contractor.

Developed by the China Academy of Space Technology, the satellites will join others already in orbit to form a space-based internet constellation similar to Starlink.

The Long March 8A, developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, stands 50.5 meters tall, with a liftoff weight of 371 metric tons and a liftoff thrust of about 480 tons.

The mission was the 56th space launch carried out by China this year and the 661st flight of the Long March rocket family.