China Launches 18 Satellites from Hainan Commercial Spaceport
- WENCHANG, Hainan – On March 12, 2025, a meaningful step was taken in the expansion of China's commercial space capabilities.
- The satellites, identified as the fifth group of their kind, successfully reached their predetermined orbit, according to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).
- This mission marks a significant milestone as the first launch from Launch Area No.
Long March 8 Launches Thousand Sails Satellites from Hainan Commercial Spaceport
Table of Contents
- Long March 8 Launches Thousand Sails Satellites from Hainan Commercial Spaceport
- Long March 8 Q&A: Powering China’s Commercial Space Endeavors
- What was launched from the Hainan Commercial Spaceport on March 12, 2025?
- What is the thousand Sails Constellation?
- Where did the Long March 8 Y6 launch take place?
- What is significant about Launch Area No. 1 at Hainan Commercial Spaceport?
- When did the construction of Hainan Commercial Space launch site begin, and when did its first mission occur?
- What is the Long March 8 rocket?
- How many Long March carrier rocket series flights have there been?
- What future missions are planned for the Long March 8?
- Long March 8 Launch Details
WENCHANG, Hainan – On March 12, 2025, a meaningful step was taken in the expansion of China’s commercial space capabilities. A group of 18 satellites was launched into low Earth orbit by a long March-8 Y6 carrier rocket from the Hainan commercial space launch site.
Thousand Sails Constellation Takes Flight
The satellites, identified as the fifth group of their kind, successfully reached their predetermined orbit, according to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). These satellites are integral to Spacesail, a Chinese commercial internet constellation. The thousand Sails constellation aims to provide enhanced internet services globally.
First Launch from Launch Area No. 1
This mission marks a significant milestone as the first launch from Launch Area No. 1 at the Hainan commercial spaceport. this follows an initial launch from Area No. 2 on November 30, 2024, demonstrating the operational readiness of both launch areas at China’s premier commercial space launch facility.
Launch Area No. 1: A New Era in Commercial Spaceflight
standing at 83 meters tall, Launch Area No. 1 is specifically designed for the Long March-8 rocket.It features a modular steel structure and incorporates a dual-direction flame deflector cone for cooling and noise reduction. This innovative design enhances rapid reusability capabilities, allowing for a launch and reset cycle of just seven days. This rapid turnaround is crucial to meet the increasing demand for launch services.
The Hainan commercial space launch site’s construction began in July 2022, with its inaugural mission successfully executed in November 2024. Phase II of the project is currently underway, promising further enhancements to the facility’s capabilities.
Long March 8: Powering China’s Space Ambitions
Developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), a subsidiary of CASC, the Long March-8 is a medium-lift, liquid-fueled rocket known for its cost-effectiveness and ability to perform multi-satellite launches into medium and low Earth orbits.
This launch represented the 563rd flight mission in the Long March carrier rocket series, a cornerstone of China’s space transportation system. The Long March 8 continues to be a reliable workhorse for deploying satellites.
Future Missions
Looking ahead, the Long march 8 is slated for another launch in Q1 2025, carrying the G60 Group TBD mission from Launch Complex-1 at the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center. This upcoming launch is part of the Qianfan series, further solidifying the Long March 8’s role in deploying satellite constellations.
Key Highlights
- Launch Vehicle: Long March-8 Y6
- Launch Site: Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site
- Satellites: 18 (Thousand Sails Constellation)
- Developer: China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT)
- Mission Type: Commercial Internet Constellation Deployment
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Rocket Type | Long march-8 |
| Launch Date | March 12,2025 |
| Launch Location | Wenchang,Hainan |
| Payload | 18 satellites |
| Constellation | Thousand Sails |
Long March 8 Q&A: Powering China’s Commercial Space Endeavors
What was launched from the Hainan Commercial Spaceport on March 12, 2025?
On March 12, 2025, a Long March-8 Y6 carrier rocket launched 18 satellites into low Earth orbit from the Hainan Commercial Space Launch site. This marked a meaningful advancement in china’s commercial space program.
What is the thousand Sails Constellation?
The satellites launched on March 12, 2025 are part of the “Thousand Sails” constellation. This constellation, also known as Spacesail, is a Chinese commercial internet constellation designed to provide enhanced global internet services.
Where did the Long March 8 Y6 launch take place?
the launch occurred at the hainan Commercial Space Launch Site, specifically from Launch Area No. 1.
What is significant about Launch Area No. 1 at Hainan Commercial Spaceport?
This launch was the first from Launch Area No. 1. The launch demonstrates the operational capability of the spaceport,as there was an launch from Area No. 2 on November 30, 2024.
Key features of Launch Area No. 1:
Height: 83 meters tall
Design: Specifically designed for the Long March-8 rocket
Structure: Modular steel structure
Flame Deflector: Incorporates a dual-direction flame deflector cone for cooling and noise reduction
Reusability: Capable of a launch and reset cycle of just seven days
When did the construction of Hainan Commercial Space launch site begin, and when did its first mission occur?
Construction began in July 2022, and the inaugural mission was successfully executed in November 2024. Phase II of the project is currently underway promises further enhancements to the facility’s capabilities.
What is the Long March 8 rocket?
The Long March-8 is a medium-lift, liquid-fueled rocket developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle technology (CALT), a subsidiary of CASC. It is designed for cost-effectiveness and the ability to perform multi-satellite launches into medium and low Earth orbits. It represents a cornerstone of China’s space transportation system.
How many Long March carrier rocket series flights have there been?
The March 12, 2025 launch was the 563rd flight mission in the Long March carrier rocket series.
What future missions are planned for the Long March 8?
The Long March 8 is scheduled for another launch in Q1 2025, carrying the G60 Group TBD mission from Launch Complex-1 at the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center.
Long March 8 Launch Details
| Feature | Details |
| —————- | —————————————————— |
| Rocket Type | Long March-8 Y6 |
| Launch Date | March 12, 2025 |
| Launch location | hainan Commercial Space Launch Site, Wenchang, Hainan |
| Payload | 18 Satellites |
| Constellation | Thousand Sails |
| Developer | China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) |
| Mission type | Commercial Internet Constellation Deployment |