The 647th flight of the Long March series, payload capacity of up to 20 tons to low Earth orbit, a 4-metre diameter and a fully liquid oxygen-kerosene propulsion system

As reported by CCTV+, on Monday, China successfully launched a Long March-12B Y1 carrier rocket from the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Pilot Zone in northwestern China. The launch took place at 16:40 Beijing time.

A group of Qianfan constellation satellites was delivered into their designated orbits. The mission was declared a complete success.

This was the first flight of the Long March-12B rocket and the 647th flight of the Long March series carrier rockets.

Long March-12B is the first rocket developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Commercial Rocket Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. It is a single-core reusable rocket with a diameter of four metres. It is designed for large-scale commercial missions, including the deployment of China’s satellite internet constellation.

The rocket has a two-stage configuration with a fully liquid oxygen-kerosene propulsion system. It stands about 72 metres tall and has a diameter of 4.37 metres. Its payload capacity to low Earth orbit is at least 20 tons. The rocket is capable of adapting to various orbital missions.

The Qianfan (Thousand Sails) satellite constellation is China’s low-orbit satellite network for global broadband internet access, similar to Starlink. A commercial reusable rocket significantly reduces launch costs.

Seventy-two metres tall, 20 tons of cargo to orbit, 4 metres in diameter. And all of it — reusable. The Long March-12B is not just another rocket. It is China’s step into commercial space. Where American companies once dominated, a new player is emerging. With its own satellites, its own technology, its own speed. The 647th flight of the Long March series — and this is only the beginning of a new chapter. The question is not whether China can catch up with the leaders. It is already catching up. The question is how quickly commercial space will become as routine as air travel. While some are only planning, others are already launching. And putting a “Thousand Sails” into orbit. Literally.