Published • loading... • Updated
China conducts surprise launch of Long March 12B, delivers Qianfan satellites on debut flight
The reusable rocket carried operational payloads for the Shanghai-led Qianfan broadband constellation, and CASC said a recovery test will come later.
- On Monday, June 1, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation successfully launched its reusable Long March 12B rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, deploying operational satellites for the Qianfan broadband megaconstellation.
- Standing 236 feet tall, the two-stage Long March 12B features nine kerosene-liquid oxygen engines and a 44,000-pound payload capacity designed to support China's growing megaconstellation projects.
- The launch proceeded without advance airspace notices, adding to the Qianfan constellation now at roughly 180 satellites, which eventually targets over 15,000 satellites for global broadband coverage.
- CASC did not attempt a first-stage recovery during this 35th orbital launch attempt of 2026, though the agency stated future missions will carry out recovery tests to validate cost-saving potential.
- The Long March 12B positions China to compete with SpaceX Falcon rockets, approaching the capacity of the Long March 5 family, as further reusable rocket debuts are anticipated in the coming weeks.
Insights by Ground AI
13 Articles
13 Articles
China launches new Long March 12B rocket, reportedly without any safety warning
China's Long March 12B rocket has blasted off on its maiden voyage carrying more Qianfan "Thousand Sails" satellites, during a surprise launch for which there were reportedly no airspace notices.
·New York, United States
Read Full Article
China's Long March-12B rocket makes successful maiden flight
China on Monday successfully launched the Long March-12B Y1 carrier rocket into space from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwest China.The rocket blasted off at 4:40 p.m., carrying a group of networking satellites for the Qianfan
·Beijing, China
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left3Leaning Right1Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution43% Left, 43% Center
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources lean Left, 43% of the sources are Center
43% Center
L 43%
C 43%
14%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
