Long March 12 successfully launches low-orbit internet satellite group from Hainan commercial launch site

According to Xinhua News Agency, at 12:10 on 16 August, the Long March 12 carrier rocket lifted off from the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site and delivered the 24th group of low-orbit satellite internet satellites into their designated orbit, marking full success of the launch mission.

The 24th group of low-orbit satellite internet satellites were developed by the China Academy of Space Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. China Commercial Rocket Company of the same group acted as the prime contractor to deliver launch services for the satellites. 

The Long March 12 rocket was developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology. It adopts the “three-horizontal” model featuring horizontal assembly, horizontal testing and horizontal transportation, enabling missions across a range of orbits. 

Its lifting capacity stands at no less than 12 tonnes for low Earth orbit and no less than 6 tonnes for a 700-kilometre sun-synchronous orbit.

This launch represents the 663rd mission conducted by the Long March carrier rocket family.

The “three-horizontal” workflow helps shorten preparation cycles and improve operational flexibility for dense commercial launch campaigns. The proven architecture of the Long March 12 will support follow-up batch launches for the satellite internet constellation. 

Additional satellite deployment tasks will continue from the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site to expand global connectivity infrastructure.