China’s New Spaceport Launches 18 Satellites into Orbit
China has successfully launched 18 low Earth orbit satellites from its new Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in south China’s Hainan Province early Wednesday. The satellites, part of China’s commercial internet constellation Spacesail, were carried aboard the Long March-8 Y6 carrier rocket.
According to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the satellites have entered their preset orbits successfully. This launch marks the inaugural mission from the site’s No. 1 launch pad, following the first launch from the No. 2 pad in November 2022. The dual-pad readiness of China’s first commercial spaceport is now set to support future missions.
Advanced Launch Pad Enhancements
The No. 1 launch pad, standing 83 meters tall, is specially designed for the Long March-8 rocket. It features a modular steel structure and employs a dual-direction flame deflection cone for cooling and noise reduction, enhancing rapid reuse capabilities. The launch pad now supports a seven-day launch and reset cycle, crucial for meeting the growing demand for satellite launches.
Construction of the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site began in July 2020 and has rapidly progressed to support multiple missions. The phase II project is currently underway, aiming to further expand the site’s capabilities.
The Long March-8 Rocket
Developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology under the CASC, the Long March-8 rocket is a medium-lift liquid-fueled rocket optimized for cost-effective, multi-satellite launches to low- and medium-Earth orbits. This mission marks the 563rd flight of the Long March rocket family, the backbone of China’s space transportation system.
