On Wednesday afternoon, China successfully deployed a cluster of internet satellites into orbit. This launch represents the fourth deployment of such spacecraft within the past month.
These satellites constitute the eighth group of low-orbit hardware for China's state-owned internet network. The launch took place at 2:43 pm from the Wenchang Space Launch Center, located in Hainan province. The satellites quickly reached their designated orbital positions.
The Long March 5B heavy-lift carrier rocket was used for the launch. This rocket model, developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, is 53.7 meters in length with a core-stage diameter of 5 meters. It utilizes liquid oxygen, liquid hydrogen, and kerosene as propellants, and has a liftoff weight of approximately 849 tons.
The Long March 5B is the most powerful Chinese launch vehicle currently in operation, based on its capacity to transport payloads to low-Earth orbit. The launch on Wednesday was China's 45th rocket launch of the year. It also marked the 588th flight of the Long March rocket family, which serves as the primary component of China's space transport fleet.
6 Comments
Africa
State-owned internet network" - sounds like a recipe for censorship and control. Free and open internet, anyone?
Raphael
The reliance on a single rocket family is a vulnerability. What if something goes wrong?
Donatello
The Wenchang Space Launch Center is a world-class facility!
Michelangelo
The Long March rockets... haven't they had reliability issues in the past? I hope they've improved.
Muchacha
Low-orbit satellites are key to enabling much better internet everywhere! Go China!
BuggaBoom
The speed of their deployments is remarkable! They must be incredibly efficient.