China Initiates Launch of 18 Satellites from Hainan Commercial Site
China has successfully launched 18 satellites from its commercial launch site in Hainan.
TroibNews 
In the early hours of Wednesday, a Long March-8 Y6 carrier rocket successfully launched a group of 18 low Earth orbit satellites from the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in southern China's Hainan Province.
This launch, which represents the fifth batch of satellites, saw the satellites successfully enter their designated orbit, according to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. These satellites will form part of China's commercial internet constellation, known as Spacesail.
This mission also signifies the first launch from the site’s No. 1 launch pad, which, along with the inaugural launch from the No. 2 pad on November 30, 2024, demonstrates the readiness of China's first commercial spaceport for future missions involving both launch pads.
Standing at 83 meters tall, the No. 1 launch pad is specifically designed for the Long March-8 rocket. It features a modular steel structure and incorporates a dual-direction flame deflection cone for the first time, providing cooling and noise reduction while enhancing rapid reuse capabilities.
The launch pad currently supports a seven-day launch cycle followed by a seven-day reset cycle, which is essential for addressing the increasing demand for launches.
Construction of the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site began in July 2022, culminating in its first launch mission in November 2024. Now, efforts are ongoing to advance the construction of the phase II project.
The Long March-8 rocket, developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology under the CASC, is a medium-lift liquid-fueled rocket designed for cost-effective, multi-satellite launches to low- and medium-Earth orbits.
This mission is notable as it marks the 563rd flight of the Long March rocket family, which serves as the foundation of China's space transport system.
Sanya Singh for TROIB News
This launch, which represents the fifth batch of satellites, saw the satellites successfully enter their designated orbit, according to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. These satellites will form part of China's commercial internet constellation, known as Spacesail.
This mission also signifies the first launch from the site’s No. 1 launch pad, which, along with the inaugural launch from the No. 2 pad on November 30, 2024, demonstrates the readiness of China's first commercial spaceport for future missions involving both launch pads.
Standing at 83 meters tall, the No. 1 launch pad is specifically designed for the Long March-8 rocket. It features a modular steel structure and incorporates a dual-direction flame deflection cone for the first time, providing cooling and noise reduction while enhancing rapid reuse capabilities.
The launch pad currently supports a seven-day launch cycle followed by a seven-day reset cycle, which is essential for addressing the increasing demand for launches.
Construction of the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site began in July 2022, culminating in its first launch mission in November 2024. Now, efforts are ongoing to advance the construction of the phase II project.
The Long March-8 rocket, developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology under the CASC, is a medium-lift liquid-fueled rocket designed for cost-effective, multi-satellite launches to low- and medium-Earth orbits.
This mission is notable as it marks the 563rd flight of the Long March rocket family, which serves as the foundation of China's space transport system.
Sanya Singh for TROIB News
