China Successfully Launches 18 Satellites into Space

China has successfully launched 18 satellites into orbit using a Long March-8 Y6 carrier rocket from the commercial space launch site in Hainan province.

According to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the satellites entered their designated orbit as part of the fifth batch of the "Space Cell" commercial internet constellation.

This mission marked the inaugural launch from Launch Pad 1 at the site, following the first launch from Pad 2 on November 30, 2024.

With both platforms now operational, China's first commercial spaceport is fully equipped for future missions.

The Long March-8, developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology under CASC, is a cost-efficient, medium-lift rocket powered by liquid fuel.

It is optimized for launching multiple satellites into low and medium Earth orbits.