At 11th June 2026 (Beijing time) Beijing time CNSA –China National Space Administration, the Long March 5 Yao-11 carrier rocket from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan Province, China, People’s Republic of China., On the morning of June 11, 2026, Beijing time, the Long March 5 Y11 carrier rocket and its satellite assembly, At 1530 Beijing Time on June 11, the Long March 5 carrier rocket, developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), was launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Site, successfully sending the Communication Technology Experiment Satellite-25 into its predetermined orbit. The launch mission was completed as planned This mission marked the 650th flight of the Long March series of carrier rockets.
At 15:30 on June 11, 2026, China successfully launched the Communication Technology Experiment Satellite-25 into its predetermined orbit using a Long March-5 carrier rocket from the Wenchang Space Launch Site. The launch mission was a complete success .
Satellite Purpose : This satellite was developed under the overall leadership of the Fifth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation and is mainly used to conduct verification of multi-band, high-speed satellite communication technology.
Rocket configuration : The Long March 5 rocket uses a fairing configuration with a diameter of 5.2 meters and a height of 18.5 meters. This configuration will make its first flight in December 2023, which improves its mission adaptability.
Technical improvements : Nine technical status improvements were implemented to enhance reliability, the launch area workflow was optimized from 6 days to 4 days, and the adaptability to the high temperature and humidity environment of Hainan was enhanced.
Mission significance : This is the 650th flight of the Long March series carrier rockets and the first launch of the Long March 5 rocket in 2026, providing strong support for subsequent major space projects.
I. Core Facts
Launch time: 15:30 on June 11, 2026 (Beijing time)
Launch site: Wenchang Space Launch Site, Hainan Launch vehicle: Long March 5 (Y11 rocket), with a fairing of 5.2 meters in diameter and 18.5 meters in height.
Satellite Name: Communication Technology Experimental Satellite No. 25, developed by the Fifth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
Mission outcome: The satellite successfully entered its predetermined orbit, and the launch mission was a complete success.
Milestone: This marks the 650th flight of the Long March series carrier rockets, the first launch of the Long March 5 rocket in 2026, the 11th launch of the Long March 5 rocket, and the 18th launch of the Long March 5 series
II. Direct Cause
Satellite applications: Primarily used for verifying multi-band, high-speed satellite communication technologies.
Technology verification objective: To accumulate on-orbit data for future technologies such as satellite internet, 6G integrated space-air-ground communication, and direct mobile phone connection to satellites.
Rocket Improvements: This rocket underwent nine technical improvements to enhance reliability and streamlined the launch process from six days to four days, improving its adaptability to the high temperature and humidity environment of Hainan
深蓝航天 Deep Blue Limited – Deep Blue AerospaceLandspace One of sixty Chinese private space Carrier Rocket Companies in China-People’s Republic of China… As many of sixty plus Private Rocket Deep Blue Aerospace Co., Ltd. was established in 2017. The company is mainly a high-tech aerospace enterprise that focuses on the direction of liquid recovery and reusable launch vehicles and provides users with commercial launch services. Deep Blue Aerospace Co., Ltd. is headquartered in Nantong City, Jiangsu Province. At the same time, the company has rocket general and liquid engine R&D centers in Yizhuang, Beijing and Xi’an, Shaanxi, respectively, and a rocket power system test base in Tongchuan, Shaanxi…..
At 16:23 on June 9, 2026, at Workstation 96A of the Dongfeng Commercial Aerospace Innovation Test Zone Inner Mongolia China, People’s Republic of China., LandSpace’s Zhuque-2 improved Y6 carrier rocket (ZQ-2E Y6) successfully launched two satellites in a single launch: Qianfan DTC 01 and China Mobile 02. The Qianfan DTC 01 satellite, developed by the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, will conduct on-orbit verification of key technologies such as direct mobile phone connection services and integrated space-ground networking, providing technical support for the deep integration of satellite communication with 5G/6G. The China Mobile 02 satellite was developed by GalaxySpace (Beijing) Technology Group Co., Ltd.
The Zhuque-2 improved Y6 carrier rocket has a diameter of 3.35 meters and a maximum fairing diameter of 4.2 meters. Its technical specifications and launch/testing procedures largely inherit the mature solutions from the Y5 mission, and it has the capability to reach a low Earth orbit of 6 tons and a solar eclipse at an altitude of 500 kilometers. With a 4-ton payload capacity to orbital orbit, the Y6 rocket is the mainstay of China’s current liquid oxygen-methane medium-lift launch vehicle fleet. It can flexibly be configured to meet diverse mission requirements, such as launching multiple satellites in a
single launch with a traditional configuration, and high-frequency multi-satellite networking of flat-panel satellites. It can also form a combined launch service solution with the Zhuque-3 reusable launch vehicle. This mission, while fully inheriting the mature technologies of previous launches, has completed several engineering improvements
The Qianfan DTC01 satellite is an experimental satellite for Direct to Cell (DTC) communication within the Qianfan constellation, and it is also the first satellite in the constellation to support direct cell communication. Developed by the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the satellite adopts a flat-panel design. It is used for verifying key technologies such as direct cell communication application services and integrated space-ground networking, providing technical support for the deep integration of satellite communication with 5G/6G.
. Regarding the interstage separation system, the Y6 rocket adopts the same aerodynamic pusher separation scheme as the Zhuque-3 reusable launch vehicle, using a high-pressure gas source to drive the pusher to achieve interstage separation. While maintaining a roughly equivalent overall weight to the original scheme, this scheme reduces the use of pyrotechnics and supports pre-launch unlocking and actuation testing, further improving installation and operational safety, pre-launch detectability, supply chain self-control, and flight reliability.
In terms of structural manufacturing, the Y6 rocket’s second-stage engine frame adopts a 3D-printed integrated structure. The structure adopts a hollow truncated cone configuration and a Y-shaped main beam design to achieve efficient transmission of engine thrust. While improving the overall structural rigidity and load-bearing capacity, it also reduces weight and cost, and effectively shortens the manufacturing and assembly cycle. This reflects the model’s continuous exploration in the direction of upgrade design schemes and advanced manufacturing processes.
In addition, the adjustment controller has been replaced with a self-developed product, further enhancing the degree of independent control of key core products. The second-stage engine’s throttling condition was reduced to 50%, effectively lowering the overload level in the later stages of second-stage flight and providing a more stable flight environment for precision payloads.
Just 26 days after the Y5 mission, the Zhuque-2 improved Y6 carrier rocket entered the launch phase, demonstrating LandSpace’s continuously improving batch delivery and high-density launch capabilities.
At 6th June 2026 (Beijing time) Beijing time CNSA –China National Space Administration, the Long March 5 Yao-11 carrier rocket from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan Province, China, People’s Republic of China., On the morning of June 6, 2026, Beijing time, the Long March 5 Y11 carrier rocket and its satellite assembly, after completing relevant work in the technical area at the Wenchang Space Launch Site in China, was vertically transported from the assembly and testing building to the launch area on a mobile launch platform. The launch mission preparations have entered their final stage.
This mission is China’s third high-orbit launch mission in 2026 and the first launch of the Long March 5 carrier rocket of the year. The mission slogan is “Building a Galaxy of Merit, Determined to Win…..
The Long March 5 (nicknamed “Fat Five”) is China’s first new-generation high-thrust cryogenic liquid-fueled launch vehicle with a core stage diameter of 5 meters. The Y11 rocket has been transported to the launch area and is scheduled to be launched soon. Meanwhile, its improved version, the Long March 5B, is being prepared for the expansion of the space station, the upgrade of the fairing, and the addition of stages
I. Core Parameters and Technical Features
1. Basic configuration and scale
Configuration : It adopts a two-and-a-half-stage configuration, consisting of a core stage, a core stage, and four boosters.2
Dimensions : Maximum height approximately 63.2 meters (about 20 stories high), core stage diameter 5 meters, booster diameter 3.35 meters.2
Mass : Takeoff mass approximately 874 tons (approximately 870 tons under certain mission conditions).@HanLu2
Thrust : Takeoff thrust is 1068 tons (approximately 1060-1078 tons), with more than 90% of the thrust provided by 8 YF-100 liquid oxygen kerosene engines (120 tons each). The core stage is equipped with 2 YF-77 hydrogen-oxygen engines.2
2. Carrying capacity
Track type
carrying capacity
Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
25 tons (approximately the equivalent of 3 core modules of the space station)
Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO)
14 tons
Earth-Moon Transfer Orbit (TLI)
8.25 tons (in actual missions, Chang’e 6 could be sent into orbit weighing 8.3 tons)
Earth-Mars Transfer Orbit (TMI)
5.2 tons
3. Propellant characteristics
The core stage uses liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen cryogenic propellants, while the boosters use liquid oxygen and kerosene cryogenic propellants.2
Cryogenic propellants have extremely low temperatures (liquid hydrogen -253°C, liquid oxygen -183°C), and white mist will condense on the surface of the rocket body before launch, requiring pre-launch refueling and continuous replenishment.
II. Latest Launch Updates
1. The Long March 5 Y11 rocket has been transported and is ready for launch.
Timeline : On the morning of June 6, 2026, the Y11 mission satellite and rocket assembly was vertically transported from the vertical assembly and testing facility to the launch area, with launch scheduled for the near future.
Mission Background : This is the first launch of the Long March 5 rocket in 2026, with the mission slogan “Building a Starry Sky, Determined to Win”
Payload speculation : Third-party predictions indicate that the payload is “Communication Technology Experiment 25” and will enter geosynchronous transfer orbit.
2. Launch time adjustment
The launch, originally scheduled for June 10, was postponed by one day due to mission adjustments. It is now finally scheduled to launch around June 10. Please stay tuned for official confirmation.
III. Major Historical Tasks and Achievements
1. Core Force in Space Station Construction (Long March 5B)
The Long March 5B rocket, designed specifically for the space station, has launched the Tianhe core module (2021), the Wentian experimental module, and the Mengtian experimental module, serving as the cornerstone of the Tiangong space station construction
As of 2026, the Tianhe core module has been operating stably in orbit for five years, and the space station has carried out 267 scientific experiments.
2. Flagship launch vehicle for deep space exploration
Chang’e 5 (2020): Sends an 8.2-ton probe into a lunar transfer orbit, achieves lunar surface sample return, and brings back 1,731 grams of lunar soil.
Chang’e 6 (2024): Launched the world’s first lunar sample return probe, weighing approximately 8.3 tons, which was China’s heaviest deep space probe at the time.
Tianwen-1 (2020): Successfully sent the Mars probe into the Earth-Mars transfer orbit (capacity 5.2 tons), achieving China’s first independent Mars exploration.
Chang’e 7 (planned for August 2026): Development has been completed and it will carry out a detailed lunar resource survey mission. It is expected to be launched by Long March 5 Y12 .
3. Satellite Internet Network
The Long March 5B rocket, carrying the Yuanzheng-2 upper stage, has completed its near-polar orbit satellite internet networking mission, deploying more than 10 satellites in a single launch, contributing to the full deployment of the first phase of 168 satellites…
IV. Technological Upgrading and Future Evolution
1. Improved Long March 5B Proposal
Enlarged fairing : A new fairing with a larger diameter is being developed (there are already cases of using an 18.5-meter ultra-long fairing), and a 6.4-meter diameter fairing will be launched in the future to accommodate larger satellites.
Adding a stage : Adding a stage to the existing two-and-a-half-stage configuration to form a three-stage configuration, in order to support the subsequent expansion of the space station.13
The new configuration is positioned to serve the “secondary expansion” of the space station, including the launch of a space survey telescope (planned for launch in 2027).
2. Enhanced launch site capabilities
The Wenchang Space Launch Site has built a new vertical assembly and testing facility for the Long March 5 and Long March 7 rockets (to be put into use in December 2025), which can support the simultaneous testing of four rockets, nearly doubling the annual launch capacity.3511
Optimized launch and testing process: The launch and testing cycle for the Long March 5 mission has been shortened from 55 days to 36 days.
V. International Positioning and Comparison
1. Asia’s strongest active rocket
With a low Earth orbit payload capacity of 25 tons, the Long March 5 maintains an absolute lead among active rockets in Asia, comparable to the Delta IV Heavy rocket in the United States, but lower than SpaceX’s Starship (250 tons in non-recovery mode)
2. Comparison with rockets under development
Long March 10 : A new generation of manned lunar landing rocket, it adopts a two-stage bare rod or three-and-a-half-stage CBC configuration, and its low-Earth orbit payload capacity has been increased to 70 tons. It is planned to carry out manned lunar landing missions around 2030, and completed low-altitude demonstration verification in February 2026.
Commercial rocket benchmarks : Domestic commercial companies such as Yushi Space AS-1 (stainless steel rocket body + chopstick recovery) and Dahang Yueqian “Yueqian-1” are both planned to make their maiden flight in 2027, and their core teams mostly come from the development background of Long March 5
On CNSA –China National Space Administration …. ChangZheng Long March 8 Carrier flight rocket …. At Hainan Commercial Space Launch Center. Wenchang, Hainan Province, China, People’s Republic of China At 14:34 Beijing time on June 5, 2026, the Long March 8 Y9 carrier rocket was launched from Launch Pad 1 at the Wenchang Commercial Space Launch Site, successfully sending the Qianfan Polar Orbit 12 satellites into their predetermined near-polar orbit.
The Qianfan Polar Orbit 12 constellation comprises 18 satellites, which are small low-Earth orbit communication satellites developed by the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This mission marks the 6th launch of the Qianfan constellation in 2026 and the 12th launch overall. With this launch, the total number of Qianfan satellites launched in 2026 will reach 92, bringing the total number of satellites launched in batches to 200.
The Long March 8 is a medium-lift cryogenic liquid-fueled launch vehicle developed by the First Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. Its core stage and booster stages are the same as those of the Long March 7, but the number of boosters has been reduced from four to two. The final stage (core stage two) is the same as the final stage (core stage three) of the Long March 3A series launch vehicles. This rocket has the capability to launch into low, medium, and high Earth orbits, as well as deep space, and is currently the main rocket model for China’s low-Earth orbit constellation network.
The Long March 8 rocket has set a new record for the shortest launch interval among all rocket models!
The Long March 8 rocket is 50.34 meters tall (equipped with a 4.2-meter diameter fairing), with a maximum stage diameter of 3.35 meters. It can be equipped with either a 4.2-meter diameter, 5.4-meter height fairing (short fairing) or a 4.2-meter diameter, 12-meter height fairing (long fairing). It has a liftoff mass of 356 tons and a payload capacity of 5.5 tons to a 700-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). This particular rocket is equipped with a 4.2-meter diameter long fairing.
Currently, the rocket team has significantly increased the launch density of the Long March 8 rocket through methods such as pulsed production and parallel testing and launch of two rockets simultaneously. This mission comes only 18 days, 15 hours, and 52 minutes after the last launch of the Long March 8 rocket, setting a new record for the shortest launch interval for the Long March 8 and even the Long March 8 series of rockets. In 2026, the Long March 8 rocket will enter a higher-density launch mode.
This launch was provided by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Commercial Rocket Co., Ltd. (CCASCOM), the general contractor. As the domestic commercial launch service platform of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, CCASCOM provides “one-stop” launch solutions to quickly respond to the launch needs of large-scale low-Earth orbit constellation deployment.
This mission marks the third launch of the Long March-8 carrier rocket in 2026, the sixth launch from the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site, the 37th launch for China, and the 130th launch worldwide. It also represents the seventh launch of the Long March-8 carrier rocket and the 649th launch of the Long March series of carrier rockets.
At 1939 Hours Hong Kong SAR- Beijing Time 4 June 2026 , China- People’s Republic of China- CNSA –China National Space Administration Successfully launched Chang Zheng – Long March 6A At 19:39 Beijing time on June 4, 2026, China successfully launched the Qianfan Polar Orbiting Satellite 11 into its predetermined orbit using a Long March-6A carrier rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. The launch mission was a complete success. This mission marked the 648th flight of the Long March series carrier rockets.
1. Key Facts of the Launch Mission
The key parameters for this launch mission are as follows:
Launch time : 19:39 on June 4, 2026
Launch site : Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center
Launch Vehicle : Long March 6A Launch Vehicle
Launch method : “One rocket carrying 18 satellites”, simultaneously sending 11 Qianfan polar-orbiting satellites into their predetermined orbits.
Satellite Status : All satellites are in normal condition and have successfully entered their designated orbits.
Launch result : Mission a complete success146
A milestone for the Long March series : This was the 648th flight of the Long March series carrier rockets.
Constellation size update : The number of satellites in orbit in the Qianfan constellation has increased to 182.
2. Launching rocket: Long March 6A
The rocket’s key information includes:
Research and development unit : The Eighth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation was responsible for the overall research and development.
Rocket configuration : A new generation of solid-liquid coupled medium-lift launch vehicle1814
Carrying capacity :
The payload capacity to a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 700 kilometers is no less than 4.5 tons.
The payload capacity to a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 500 kilometers is no less than 6.5 tons.
Launch adaptability : It can meet diverse and dense launch requirements such as single-satellite, multi-satellite tandem, parallel, stacked, wall-mounted, and mounted launches.
Launch services : The launch services for the Qianfan Polar Orbit 11 satellite constellation were provided by China Great Wall Industry Corporation, a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, as the general contractor
3. Current Status of Qianfan Constellation Network
The Qianfan constellation has recently entered a period of intensive launches, with the following specific batches:
batch
Launch date
Networked satellites
launch vehicle
launch site
Group 11
June 4, 2026
Qianfan Polar Orbit 11 Satellites
Long March 6A
Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center
Group 10
June 1, 2026
Qianfan Polar Orbit 08 Satellite Group
Long March 12B
Dongfeng Commercial Aerospace Innovation Test Zone
Group 9
May 17, 2026
The 9th batch of Qianfan constellation networking satellites
Long March 8
Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site
Group 7
April 7, 2026
The seventh batch of Qianfan constellation networking satellites
Long March 8
Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site
Summary of network deployment progress :
Since April 2026, the Qianfan constellation has completed the deployment of its 7th, 9th, 10th and 11th satellite groups in just two months, significantly accelerating the network deployment speed.
On June 1, the Long March 12B carrier rocket successfully completed its maiden flight at the Dongfeng Commercial Aerospace Innovation Test Zone, becoming another main rocket for the Qianfan constellation network.
The Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site, Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Test Zone, and other launch sites have all undertaken the Qianfan constellation launch missions.
4. Focus of Public Attention
This launch has attracted widespread attention, with key focuses including:
The “Chinese version of Starlink” is taking shape rapidly : The media generally regards the Qianfan constellation as the Chinese version of “Starlink”, and many media outlets have reported on it with the “accelerated formation of the network” as the core, highlighting the speed of satellite internet construction.
The spectacular aerial spectacle resonated with many : a photographer captured the image of the Long March 6A rocket soaring through the twilight, trailing a red and white rocket cloud, which was described as “a romance unique to us.” Some netizens also shared their experiences of witnessing the rocket’s launch contrail.
Nationwide praise for space achievements : CCTV News, People’s Daily Online, China Aerospace News and many other authoritative media outlets have reported on the achievements, and the topics “#ThumbsUpForChinaAerospace#” and “#ChinaSuccessfullyLaunchesThousandSailsPolarOrbiting11GroupSatellites#” have become hot topics of discussion online.
Public sentiment is positive and diverse : Based on the public opinion reactions after previous launches, the mainstream views of netizens include: feeling proud of the successful launch, looking forward to accelerating the deployment to achieve global coverage, believing that commercial space launch capabilities have matured, supporting the construction of an independent and controllable space broadband network, and feeling grateful for the strong national power that safeguards peaceful life.
