China launches new group of internet satellites

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A Long March-8A rocket, carrying the 20th group of low-orbit internet satellites, lifts off from the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site, Hainan, China, March 13, 2026. /CMG

China launched a group of internet satellites from the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in south China's Hainan Province on Friday.

A Long March-8A rocket, carrying the 20th group of low-Earth orbit internet satellites, blasted off at 3:48 a.m., and has sent the satellites into preset orbit.

Developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, the carrier rocket measures 50.5 meters long with a takeoff weight of 371 tonnes. It is capable of carrying up to 7 tonnes to a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 700 kilometers, and can meet the launch requirements for constellation networking in low- and medium-Earth orbit.

Since its maiden flight in 2025, the Long March-8A rocket has become one of the main models for launching low- and medium-Earth orbit satellites in China, thanks to its modular design, high cost-effectiveness, and rapid response capabilities.

The launch marks the 631st flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series.

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