China has launched a new group of satellites into space from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in northern Shanxi province, according to state media reports on Sunday. The satellites were carried aboard a modified Long March-6 rocket, which lifted off on Saturday. Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported that the payload successfully reached its planned orbit. These satellites will join the Spacesail Constellation, a large-scale commercial low-Earth orbit satellite network being developed by China to support global communications services. The mission also marked a major milestone for China’s space program, becoming the 655th flight of the Long March rocket series, highlighting its long-running and expanding launch record.
Successful Launch From Taiyuan Satellite Center
The rocket lifted off at 5:30 p.m. Beijing time from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi Province, one of China’s key space launch facilities. Officials confirmed that the mission proceeded smoothly, and all 13 satellites were successfully deployed into their planned low-Earth orbit shortly after liftoff. No technical issues were reported during the launch sequence.
Ambassador Kong Xianhua shared a video on X showing that China successfully launched a new group of satellites into space on Saturday from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in northern Shanxi Province, China. The launch took place at 5:30 p.m. Beijing Time using a modified Long March-6 carrier rocket, which successfully placed the satellites into their designated orbit.
According to Ambassador Kong Xianhua, the satellite group will be integrated into the Spacesail Constellation, a large-scale commercial low-Earth orbit satellite network developed by China to provide advanced communication services. The mission also marked an important milestone for China’s space program, as it was the 655th flight of the Long March carrier rocket series.
China sent a new satellite group into space on Saturday from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China’s Shanxi Province.
The satellite group was launched at 5:30 p.m. (Beijing Time) aboard a modified Long March-6 carrier rocket and entered its preset orbit… pic.twitter.com/lVz1IBpOiT
— Ambassador Kong Xianhua (@China_Amb_Mdv) July 5, 2026
What Is the Spacesail Constellation?
The satellites will become part of China’s growing Spacesail Constellation, a large-scale commercial satellite internet network designed to operate in low-Earth orbit (LEO). The system is being developed to provide:
- High-speed broadband internet access
- Secure global communications
- Reliable connectivity for remote and underserved regions
- Improved digital infrastructure for commercial and government use
This initiative places China in direct competition with other global satellite internet projects, including low-Earth orbit networks being developed worldwide.
Massive Satellite Expansion Plan: 15,000+ Satellites
The company behind the project has ambitious long-term goals. It plans to deploy more than 15,000 satellites into low-Earth orbit over time. If completed, the constellation would become one of the largest satellite networks in the world, supporting
- Global internet coverage
- Maritime and aviation connectivity
- Disaster response communications
- Internet of Things (IoT) applications
Experts say such mega-constellations are reshaping the future of global communications and space-based internet services.
Long March Rocket Milestone Reached
This mission also marks a historic milestone for China’s space program. It was the 655th launch of the Long March rocket family, which has been the backbone of China’s space missions for decades. The Long March series has been used for:
- Satellite deployment
- Lunar and deep-space exploration missions
- Space station construction support
- Commercial payload launches
The success of this mission reflects China’s growing reliability in reusable and modified launch technologies.
Strengthening China’s Space and Digital Infrastructure
The latest launch highlights China’s continued investment in space-based communication systems and next-generation satellite technology. It also reinforces the country’s goal of building a strong global digital infrastructure through space-based broadband networks.
With repeated successful launches, China is steadily expanding its role in the global satellite internet race and strengthening its position in the commercial space industry.
