Modified Long March-6 rocket, Taiyuan launch site, a low-orbit constellation for global internet

This is according to a statement from the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (May 13, 2026).

On Tuesday, China launched a new group of satellites into space from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi Province, northern China.

The launch took place at 7:59 p.m. Beijing time on a modified Long March-6 carrier rocket. After liftoff, the satellites successfully entered their designated orbits.

These satellites will become part of the Spacesail Constellation — a Chinese low-orbit satellite network designed for commercial use.

According to the launch center, this mission marked the 642nd flight of the Long March series carrier rockets.

Seven in the evening. Northern China. Another rocket disappears into the darkness. No unnecessary words. The 642nd time. Today — satellites for the commercial Spacesail network. Tomorrow — another step toward internet everywhere. Even where there are no roads. China does not promise. China launches. And every launch is not just a news item. It is a brick in the orbital infrastructure that will change communications across the entire planet. The question is not when it will happen. It is already happening. Quietly. Precisely. On schedule.