China launches 14th group of low-orbit internet satellites into space

China on Saturday launched a group of internet satellites from the Hainan commercial space launch site in the southern island province of Hainan.

The 14th group of low-orbit internet satellites was sent into space at 3:53 p.m. (Beijing Time) aboard a Long March-8A carrier rocket. The satellites entered their preset orbit, marking a complete success of the mission.

Developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, the Long March-8A rocket is 50.5 meters long with a takeoff weight of 371 tonnes. It is capable of carrying up to seven tonnes to a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 700 kilometers.

The rocket completed its maiden flight in February this year and has since entered a high-density launch mode.

This mission also marks the first time the Long March-8 series rocket has switched its primary propellant from conventional petroleum-based rocket kerosene to coal-based rocket kerosene.

The new fuel is environmentally friendly, easy to store and transport, and more cost-effective. Its performance remains stable and reliable as petroleum-based rocket kerosene, which can establish a "green power" foundation for subsequent high-frequency launch missions.

Saturday's mission is also the fifth flight of the Long March-8A rocket and the 612th launch of the Long March series of rockets.

(With input from Xinhua.)