China launched 18 internet satellites as part of its Qianfan constellation, aimed at rivaling SpaceX’s Starlink. The satellites were deployed into low-Earth orbit using a Long March-8 rocket from Hainan. The project plans thousands of satellites to provide global broadband connectivity and support strategic initiatives like the Belt and Road.
China has successfully launched 18 new internet satellites, adding to its ambitious low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellation designed as a direct rival to SpaceX's Starlink.
The mission, described as the seventh batch of the Qianfan constellation (also known as 'Thousand Sails' or Spacesail), advances China's goal of building a massive satellite network for global broadband internet services.
Qianfan launch details
The satellites lifted off aboard a Long March-8 or Long March-8A rocket in a night launch from the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site . The illuminated night sky over Hainan marked a milestone for the site, which conducted its 14th launch overall. This was also the first mission where the site's weather team independently managed operations.
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