In a significant stride for its space ambitions, China has successfully launched the Long March 12B carrier rocket, showcasing advancements in its aerospace technology. The launch took place at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, where the rocket accomplished its mission by placing the 10th batch of Spacesail Constellation communication satellites into their designated orbit.
The Long March 12B, towering at approximately 72 meters, stands as China’s most formidable single-body rocket to date. This two-stage vehicle is powered by a formidable array of 10 engines fueled by liquid oxygen and kerosene, delivering around 800 metric tons of thrust upon liftoff. This power enables the rocket to transport payloads exceeding 20 tons into low-Earth orbit, marking a noteworthy achievement in payload capacity.
The development of the Long March 12B began in September 2024, during which engineers integrated advanced technologies aimed at enhancing both performance and efficiency. These innovations include high-performance propulsion systems, lightweight structural materials, optimized fuel management, and sophisticated autonomous flight-control software designed to handle unexpected in-flight issues. Looking ahead, engineers are contemplating future tests to recover and potentially reuse the rocket’s first-stage booster, with the hope that a reusable version could be operational in the coming years.
This latest mission contributes to the expansion of the Spacesail Constellation, a satellite network in low-Earth orbit intended to provide high-speed broadband internet on a global scale. With this launch, the project has now deployed over 160 satellites, progressing towards its ambitious goal of more than 10,000 satellites by 2030, underscoring China’s commitment to enhancing worldwide internet connectivity.
Overall, the successful deployment of the Long March 12B not only marks a milestone for China’s burgeoning commercial space sector but also aligns with its broader objectives to broaden global satellite internet coverage, reinforcing its position in the competitive space industry.