On CNSA –China National Space Administration …. ChangZheng Long March 7A Wenchang, Hainan Province, China, People’s Republic of China At At 00:16 on May 27, 2026, the Long March-7A Y12 carrier rocket successfully launched the Communication Technology Experiment Satellite-24 from Launch Complex 201 at the Wenchang Space Launch Site, Hainan Province, China, People’s Republic of China.. The Long March -7A Y12 carrier rocket, developed by the Eighth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), is primarily used for verifying multi-band, high-speed satellite communication technologies. The Long March-7A Y12 rocket, developed by the First Academy of CASC, is China’s new generation of medium-lift, high-orbit liquid-fueled launch vehicle. This type of rocket can be fitted with both 4.2-meter and 3.7-meter diameter fairings and has the capability to launch one satellite or two satellites simultaneously.
This mission marked the first time the Long March-7A Y12 rocket completed its assembly and testing in the newly built assembly and testing facility, and it also marked the first time the new facility and the new ground-based launch and control equipment jointly conducted a launch mission. Currently, the Long March 7 series carrier rockets have two assembly and testing facilities, two mobile launch platforms, and two sets of ground measurement and control equipment at the Wenchang Space Launch Site. The launch capacity has been increased from 6 launches per year to 12 launches per year. This is the first launch of the Long March 7A rocket in 2026, and it will enter a high-frequency launch state thereafter. Currently, the Long March 7A rocket’s technology and management processes are mature and stable, and its production capacity has been further expanded, meeting future launch needs and providing solid support for building a space power.
❶ China’s 33rd space launch in 2026 (30 successful)
❷ The 15th launch of the Long March 7A carrier rocket (14 successful)
❸ The 26th launch of the Long March 7 series carrier rockets (25 successful)
❹ The 645th launch of the Long March series carrier rockets (627 successful)
❺ The 47th launch from the Wenchang Space Launch Site at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center (45 successful)
❻ China’s 766th space launch (725 successful)
🛰️Core Task and Technology Verification
- Launch parameters: At 00:16
Beijing time on May 27, 2026 , the Long March-7A carrier rocket was launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan, accurately sending the satellite into its predetermined orbit. The mission was a complete success. This was the 645th flight of the Long March series rockets and China’s 33rd space launch in 2026
- The satellite
, developed by the Eighth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation , has the core mission of conducting multi-band, high-speed satellite communication technology verification , focusing on testing the anti-interference capabilities, data transmission rates, and coverage of high-frequency bands such as millimeter waves and terahertz. The results will support the construction of China’s integrated space-ground communication network, provide crucial on-orbit data for 6G networks and satellite internet constellations, and accelerate the transition of technology from experimentation to practical application.
- Breakthroughs in high-frequency communication technology have enabled
satellites to carry laser communication links and high-speed data processing systems , verifying multi-frequency band compatibility. This can improve network coverage and disaster emergency communication efficiency in remote areas, while also helping to secure international orbital/frequency band resources and laying the foundation for a network of over 10,000 satellites (such as the “Qianfan Constellation”).
Major upgrade to launch system
- With production capacity doubling,
this mission marked the first use of a newly built assembly and testing plant and supporting testing and launch equipment, signifying a new layout for the Wenchang rocket launch site: “two plants + two launch platforms + two testing and launch systems.” The annual launch capacity of the Long March 7 series rockets has jumped from 6 to 12 launches , meeting the demands of future high-frequency missions.
- The Long March 7A rocket, developed by the First Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, is a mature and stable technology
capable of operating with both 4.2-meter and 3.7-meter fairings and is equipped with the capability to launch two satellites simultaneously. This mission validated the maturity of its technical specifications and management processes, providing reliable support for subsequent high-frequency launches.
Images and visuals are from their Respectives CMS China Manned Space CNSA-China National Space Administration
