During on 17 June 2026 at 1158 Hong Kong SAR- Beijing Time launching from one of many complexes酒泉衛星發射中心 Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Dongfeng Aerospace City – inner Mongolia –China – People’s Republic of China on中國製造 Expace Technology Corporation, , the Kuaizhou-11 Y13 solid carrier rocket ignited and lifted off at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center deploying the sending the successfully sending, the Kuaizhou-11 Y13 carrier rocket successfully sent the Microspace 05 group of satellites into their predetermined orbit from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. This was the sixth flight of this type of rocket and the first time that the Kuaizhou series rockets officially undertook the mission of batch networking of the “Microspace” low-Earth orbit constellation.
I. Core Facts
Launch time: 11:58 AM Beijing time on June 17, 2026.
Launch site: Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
Rocket model: Kuaizhou-11 Y13 carrier rocket.
Payload status: The Microspace 05 group of satellites was successfully sent into its predetermined orbit.
Mission nature: This flight test mission was a complete success.
II. Mission Background and Characteristics
1. Satellite Payload Details
The Microspace 05 satellite constellation was built by Beijing Future Navigation Technology Co., Ltd., and belongs to the third batch of networking satellites of the “Microspace” low-Earth orbit constellation system.
This marks the first launch of the Kuaizhou series rockets to officially undertake the mission of batch networking of this constellation.
After the satellite enters orbit, Beijing Future Navigation Technology Co., Ltd. will conduct a series of on-orbit tests, and provide system services and promote the application of satellite technology once the satellite is in its designated orbit.
2. Rocket Technical Parameters
It has a takeoff mass of 78 tons, a body diameter of 2.2 meters, and a total length of 25 meters.
The payload capacity to a 700 km sun-synchronous orbit is no less than 1 ton, and the maximum payload capacity to a low Earth orbit is 1.5 tons
The main structure of the entire rocket is made of carbon fibre composite material.
It adopts a configuration of a three-stage solid rocket motor and an upper-stage liquid rocket motor in series.
It adopts a vehicle-mounted mobile launch method and a “three-horizontal” mode (horizontal assembly, horizontal testing, and horizontal transportation).
3. Task sequence number statistics
This was the sixth flight of the Kuaizhou-11 carrier rocket.37
This was also the 39th flight of the Kuaizhou series carrier rockets.3
This will be China’s 43rd space launch in 2026.19
The 289th launch from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
On CNSA –China National Space Administration …. ChangZheng Long March 12 flight rocket …. At Hainan Commercial Space Launch Center. Wenchang, Hainan Province, China, People’s Republic of China …. At approximately 18:00 Beijing time on June 13, 2026, the Long March 12 Y6 carrier rocket and its satellite assembly were horizontally transported to the launch area at the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site assembly facility, with launch scheduled for the near future.
The Long March 12 Y6 carrier rocket and its satellite assembly successfully completed horizontal transport within the assembly plant at the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site at approximately 18:00 on June 13, 2026, and arrived at the launch area. This mission, scheduled for launch soon, will carry out the Xingwang low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellation deployment mission, deploying Xingwang LEO-22A series satellites to support the construction of the national LEO internet constellation. This launch utilizes the basic non-recoverable configuration of the Long March 12 rocket and will not conduct recovery tests, focusing on high-density, high-reliability commercial launch services. Since its successful maiden flight on November 30, 2024, the Long March 12 has achieved 100% success in its first five launches, demonstrating high technological maturity and an expected mission success rate exceeding 99%. This launch marks a crucial step forward for my country’s commercial space program towards routine and large-scale constellation deployment.
On the evening of June 13, 2026, the Long March 12 Y6 carrier rocket and satellite combination were horizontally transported to the launch area at the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site. The launch is scheduled to take place in the coming days. This mission is expected to launch sixteen satellites in one rocket to form a low-Earth orbit internet constellation.
II. Rocket and Mission Details
project
content
rocket model
Long March 12 (CZ-12) Y6, basic non-recoverable configuration
Research and development unit
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Eighth Academy (Shanghai Aerospace)
Arrow body parameters
It is approximately 62 meters long and 3.8 meters in diameter, with a two-stage configuration, a takeoff mass of 433 tons, and a takeoff thrust of approximately 510 tons.
carrying capacity
The weight should be no less than 12 tons for low Earth orbit and no less than 6 tons for a 700 km sun-synchronous orbit.
Launch site
Launch pad No. 2 at Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site
Load information
Carrying StarNet’s low-Earth orbit 22a series satellites, it is expected to launch 16 satellites in one go (the official number has not yet been confirmed).
nature of the task
Batch launch of low-Earth orbit internet constellations
III. Technical Features
The launch site adopts a “three-horizontal” launch mode (horizontal assembly, horizontal testing, and horizontal transport), which shortens the time required to occupy the launch area and allows for launch in as little as 3 days after relocation.
The first application of tethered release technology: After ignition, the rocket is tethered and released into the air only after all four engines are working properly.
It features a pioneering 3.8-meter rocket body diameter, achieving the optimal balance between engine quantity and carrying capacity while meeting railway transportation requirements.
The fairing comes standard with two diameters: 5.2 meters and 4.2 meters, which can be flexibly selected according to the mission.
IV. Current Status
The rocket has completed its horizontal transfer from the technical area to the launch area, and will then undergo erection, rocket-to-ground connection, and functional testing.1
The launch site facilities and equipment are in good condition, and the launch is planned to take place when the weather conditions are met.1
This launch marks the sixth flight of the Long March 12 series rockets, with the previous five all successful, indicating a very high expected mission success rate.
V. Significance of the Launch
This mission will not conduct recovery tests; the entire focus will be on satellite orbit insertion accuracy and networking efficiency.
This will provide crucial support for the rapid networking of my country’s low-orbit satellite internet constellation (such as the “Qianfan constellation”), and promote commercial aerospace from the “experimental stage” to the “mass production stage”.
On the16 June 2026 launch CNSA _China National Space Administration -China – People’s Republic of China Hong Kong –Beijing Time China- People’s Republic of China…. at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, Sichuan Province of the Xichang Launch Center Today, China successfully launched Shijian-31 satellite into space using the Long March 3B carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center…..
At 17:45 on June 16 2026 Beijing time , the Long March 3B carrier rocket was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, successfully sending the Shijian-31 satellite into its predetermined orbit. The launch mission was a complete success. The Shijian-31 satellite was developed by the Eighth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) and is mainly used for space environment exploration.
The Long March 3B rocket, developed by the First Academy of CASC, is a member of the Long March 3A series of carrier rockets.
This launch was the 651st launch of the Long March series of carrier rockets.
I. Quick Overview of the Core Task
project
Detailed information
Launch time
17:45 on June 16, 2026
Launch site
Xichang Satellite Launch Center
launch vehicle
The Long March 3B carrier rocket was developed by the First Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
Launch satellite
The Shijian-31 satellite was developed by the Eighth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
Core Uses
Space Environment Detection
Task Number
The 651st flight of the Long March series carrier rocket
II. The Long March 3B rocket’s return to flight and technological upgrades
1. Troubleshooting and Resolution
This mission marks the second flight of the Long March 3B rocket in 2026, following setbacks in the previous mission (the March mission). The project team conducted multi-system, multi-disciplinary collaborative technical research to address the deep-seated characteristics and complex mechanisms of the malfunction, completing extensive simulation analyses and ground tests, and thoroughly understanding the malfunction’s patterns.
2. Technical Status Improvement
To improve the reliability of the rocket, a total of five technical improvements were implemented for this mission.
3. Stricter quality control
The mission team implemented stricter quality control measures at the launch site, including double-checking and repeated verification, to ensure the successful completion of the go-around.30
III. The Mission of Shijian-31 Satellite
1. Core Task
The Shijian-31 satellite is mainly used for space environment exploration and will carry out systematic monitoring of the Earth’s space environment.
2. Scientific significance
The satellite will conduct long-term monitoring of key parameters such as solar activity, geomagnetic environment, and high-energy particle radiation, providing data support for space weather forecasting, safe operation of spacecraft in orbit, and space science research.
3. On-orbit safety support
The detection data will provide routine data support for the safe operation of all Chinese spacecraft in orbit, playing a key role as a “space-based environmental early warning radar”.
On CNSA –China National Space Administration …. ChangZheng Long March 12 flight rocket …. At Hainan Commercial Space Launch Center. Wenchang, Hainan Province, China, People’s Republic of China …. At approximately 18:00 Beijing time on June 13, 2026, the Long March 12 Y6 carrier rocket and its satellite assembly were horizontally transported to the launch area at the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site assembly facility, with launch scheduled for the near future.
The Long March 12 Y6 carrier rocket and its satellite assembly successfully completed horizontal transport within the assembly plant at the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site at approximately 18:00 on June 13, 2026, and arrived at the launch area. This mission, scheduled for launch soon, will carry out the Xingwang low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellation deployment mission, deploying Xingwang LEO-22A series satellites to support the construction of the national LEO internet constellation. This launch utilizes the basic non-recoverable configuration of the Long March 12 rocket and will not conduct recovery tests, focusing on high-density, high-reliability commercial launch services. Since its successful maiden flight on November 30, 2024, the Long March 12 has achieved 100% success in its first five launches, demonstrating high technological maturity and an expected mission success rate exceeding 99%. This launch marks a crucial step forward for my country’s commercial space program towards routine and large-scale constellation deployment.
On the evening of June 13, 2026, the Long March 12 Y6 carrier rocket and satellite combination were horizontally transported to the launch area at the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site. The launch is scheduled to take place in the coming days. This mission is expected to launch sixteen satellites in one rocket to form a low-Earth orbit internet constellation.
II. Rocket and Mission Details
project
content
rocket model
Long March 12 (CZ-12) Y6, basic non-recoverable configuration
Research and development unit
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Eighth Academy (Shanghai Aerospace)
Arrow body parameters
It is approximately 62 meters long and 3.8 meters in diameter, with a two-stage configuration, a takeoff mass of 433 tons, and a takeoff thrust of approximately 510 tons.
carrying capacity
The weight should be no less than 12 tons for low Earth orbit and no less than 6 tons for a 700 km sun-synchronous orbit.
Launch site
Launch pad No. 2 at Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site
Load information
Carrying StarNet’s low-Earth orbit 22a series satellites, it is expected to launch 16 satellites in one go (the official number has not yet been confirmed).
nature of the task
Batch launch of low-Earth orbit internet constellations
III. Technical Features
The launch site adopts a “three-horizontal” launch mode (horizontal assembly, horizontal testing, and horizontal transport), which shortens the time required to occupy the launch area and allows for launch in as little as 3 days after relocation.
The first application of tethered release technology: After ignition, the rocket is tethered and released into the air only after all four engines are working properly.
It features a pioneering 3.8-meter rocket body diameter, achieving the optimal balance between engine quantity and carrying capacity while meeting railway transportation requirements.
The fairing comes standard with two diameters: 5.2 meters and 4.2 meters, which can be flexibly selected according to the mission.
IV. Current Status
The rocket has completed its horizontal transfer from the technical area to the launch area, and will then undergo erection, rocket-to-ground connection, and functional testing.1
The launch site facilities and equipment are in good condition, and the launch is planned to take place when the weather conditions are met.1
This launch marks the sixth flight of the Long March 12 series rockets, with the previous five all successful, indicating a very high expected mission success rate.
V. Significance of the Launch
This mission will not conduct recovery tests; the entire focus will be on satellite orbit insertion accuracy and networking efficiency.
This will provide crucial support for the rapid networking of my country’s low-orbit satellite internet constellation (such as the “Qianfan constellation”), and promote commercial aerospace from the “experimental stage” to the “mass production stage”.
Beijing Zhongke Aerospace Exploration Technology Co., Ltd. is the first domestic aerospace enterprise with mixed ownership, and it is also the target enterprise that Oriental Aerospace Port focuses on introducing. Relying on the scientific research strength and resource advantages of the Institute of Mechanics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Aerospace Flight Technology Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China Aerospace Science and Technology has been committed to the research and development and integration of space technology and aerospace vehicles as a platform for the transformation of major national scientific research projects, as well as the transformation and provision of technological achievements. Aerospace launch service. The Lijian-1 rocket project also adds a brand-new name card to the Oriental Space Port, which will surely promote the construction of the Oriental Space Port to take a solid step forward.
At 11:44 AM on June 15, 2026, the CAS Space Lijian1 Y14 carrier rocket was launched from the Dongfeng Commercial Aerospace Innovation Test Zone Inner Mongolia, China, People’s Republic of China, successfully sending eight satellites, including “Wenwu 01,” into their predetermined orbits. The launch mission was a complete success.
To date, the CAS SpaceX-1 carrier rocket has successfully launched 105 satellites into space, with a total payload exceeding 15 tons, making it the only commercial rocket model to launch over 100 satellites. The CAS Lijian1 carrier rocket is accelerating its annual high-density launch schedule.
The successful launch of the “One Rocket, Eight Satellites” satellite marks a significant step forward for the LiJian-1 carrier rocket, accelerating its annual high-density launch schedule
A complete success! A highlight reel of the LiJian-1 Y14 carrier rocket launch, witnessing its journey after
The eight satellites in this mission are high-resolution optical remote sensing satellites developed by Changguang Satellite Technology Co., Ltd., featuring ultra-high resolution, high integration, and intelligence. These satellites can acquire high-resolution panchromatic images, support in-orbit stereo imaging and agile imaging, and cover five spectral dimensions: panchromatic, blue, green, red, and near-infrared. Imaging modes include conventional pushbroom, stereo imaging, strip stitching, and inertial space imaging.
The four satellites, “Wenwu 01”, “Caiyun Optics 01”, “Antie 03”, and “Lichuan Hong”, were jointly developed by Changguang Satellite and local enterprises through cooperation.
“Wenwu 01” was jointly developed by Changguang Satellite and the National Cultural Heritage Administration to meet the needs of systematic protection and unified supervision of cultural heritage. “Caiyun Optics 01” was jointly developed by Changguang Satellite, Yunnan Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, and Yunnan Geological and Mineral Resources Group. “Antie 03” was jointly developed by Changguang Satellite and Quanzhou Zhongke Xingqiao Aerospace Technology Co., Ltd., with the support of the Anxi County People’s Government, to meet the remote sensing needs of Fujian’s tea industry. The “Lichuan Red” satellite was jointly developed by Changguang Satellite, Lichuan Municipal People’s Government, and Hubei Lirui Technology Co., Ltd.
The Kinetica 1 is a medium-sized all-solid-propellant launch vehicle developed by the Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, with participation from CASspace. It employs a four-stage tandem configuration, with all propulsion powered by solid propellant engines, and was developed by the Commercial Rocket Propulsion Company of the Fourth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
The “Force Arrow 1” rocket is 30 meters tall (with a 2.65-meter diameter fairing), and its maximum diameter (first and second stage diameter) is 2.65 meters. It can be equipped with either a 2.65-meter or 3.35-meter diameter fairing. It has a liftoff mass of 135 tons, a liftoff thrust of approximately 211 tons, and a payload capacity of 1.5 tons to a 500-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). This particular rocket is equipped with a 3.35-meter diameter fairing.
The “Force Arrow-1” rocket control system has gradually achieved full-chain independent control over both software and hardware products. CAS Aerospace has independently developed a universal platform for measurement, launch, and control software and flight control software. The measurement, launch, and control software coordinates the entire ground testing and launch process, while the flight control software manages intelligent on-orbit flight control. Based on this universal software architecture, the platform can fully cover the entire lifecycle from rocket launch to precise orbit insertion, enabling real-time, multi-dimensional, and refined scheduling of attitude, trajectory, and propulsion.
This mission marks the 14th launch of the “Lijian-1” carrier rocket. With 13 successful launches to date, the “Lijian-1” carrier rocket has successfully launched a total of 105 satellites into orbit, with a total mass exceeding 15 tons.
This mission marks the third launch of the “Lijian-1” carrier rocket in 2026, the 16th launch from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, the 40th launch for China, and the 139th launch worldwide. It is also the 15th launch of the “Lijian” series of carrier rockets.
I. Core Information of the Launch Mission
Launch date : June 15, 2026
Launch site : Dongfeng Commercial Aerospace Innovation Test Zone
Launch vehicle : Lijian-1 Y14
Payload satellites : 8 satellites including JiXing GaoFen 07C04
Mission outcome : The satellite successfully entered its predetermined orbit, and the launch was a complete success
II. Authoritative Media and Public Opinion
CCTV News immediately pinned the news to the top of its feed, calling for “shared congratulations” and “thumbs up for China’s space program,” and the hashtag #ChinaSuccessfullyLaunches8SatellitesWithOneRocket# quickly climbed the trending list.
The People’s Daily simultaneously released text, photos, and videos, with reporter Liu Shiyao reporting live, along with a confirmation message: “Successful launch of eight satellites with one rocket.”
Influential accounts such as the Chinese military news website “China Military” followed up with reposts, amplifying the positive impact of this mission
Multiple local government and education accounts cited the topic in related sections to express their congratulations, generating widespread attention across various social circles.
III. Recent Performance of the Power Arrow-1 Series
On April 14, 2026, the Long March 1-1 Y12 carrier rocket successfully launched eight satellites, including the Jixing Gaofen 07A02 satellite, from the same test site, achieving the same feat of launching eight satellites in one launch.
The Y14 mission on June 15, 2026, continued the rocket’s high-density launch capability, further validating its reliability and rapid response capabilities.12
IV. The Commercial Space Momentum Behind the Launch
The timing of this launch coincides with a critical period for China’s commercial space program, transitioning from “first flight to orbit” to “return flight and cost reduction,” and the verification of reusable rocket technology has entered a period of intensive development.
LandSpace’s Zhuque-3 reusable liquid oxygen-methane launch vehicle recovery verification is progressing rapidly, with plans to conduct another recovery test within the year and strive for the first reuse flight in the fourth quarter.
The cost of the first stage of a rocket accounts for approximately 70% of the total cost. Once the closed loop of recovery, overhaul, and re-flight is successfully implemented, the cost per launch is expected to decrease by 50% to 70%.
On the demand side, national-level satellite internet plans such as the GW constellation and the Qianfan constellation will deploy nearly 28,000 satellites in the future. The number of satellite launches is expected to increase several times over in the next 3 to 5 years, providing a clear market space for high-frequency multi-satellite launches.
