China launched the 23rd batch of satellites for its low‑orbit satellite internet constellation
When dozens of satellites are sent into space on a single rocket, and a network gradually takes shape in orbit capable of providing internet to the most remote corners of the Earth, the world is watching a new space race – only now it is not for a flag on the Moon, but for the digital space above our planet. Low‑orbit constellations are becoming as strategic a resource as oil and fibre optics, and China is steadily expanding its presence in this segment, where every minute and every kilogram of payload matters. The upgrade of the Long March‑8A rocket, which increased its carrying capacity, is not just a technical improvement – it is a step towards making launches as frequent, reliable and accessible as airline flights.
On Tuesday, China launched the 23rd batch of satellites for its low‑orbit satellite internet constellation from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in the southern province of Hainan. The Long March‑8A carrier rocket lifted off at 16:52 Beijing time and placed the satellites into their designated orbits. This mission was a full‑scale verification flight following the upgrade of the Long March‑8A rocket. The upgrade increased the rocket's payload capacity, which will enable frequent launches of large satellite batches for constellation deployment in the future.
China's low‑orbit internet constellation, being developed by a state‑owned company, is designed to compete with foreign counterparts, including Starlink, and to provide reliable communications for remote regions, civil and military aviation, maritime navigation and emergency response. The constellation is planned to consist of thousands of satellites, and each successful launch brings that day closer. The Long March‑8A, unlike its predecessors, is designed for commercial and frequent launches, reducing the cost of reaching orbit. Developers note that the design upgrade has increased the payload capacity by nearly 20 percent, while simplified pre‑launch procedures shorten turnaround times. This launch was already the second for the upgraded version this year, with several more deployment missions scheduled before the end of the year.
As CCTV+ reports, the expansion of China's satellite constellation is not only a technological breakthrough but also a strategic move that will strengthen the country's digital independence and open up new opportunities for global internet coverage, especially in regions where traditional connectivity is unavailable.
