China Long March 8A GuoWang Satellite Constellation Launch in Hainan

China Long March 8A GuoWang Satellite Constellation Launch in Hainan

🚀🛰️At 10:03am China Standard Time (02:03 am Universal Coordinated Time) on October 25, 2026, a China Long March 8A rocket launched from Commercial Launch Pad 1 at the Wenchang Commercial Space Launch Site in China's southern from Hainan to deploy a group of another nine GuoWang Internet connectivity satellites into low Earth orbit as part of SatNet LEO Group 28.

The satellites were manufactured by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST).

The GuoWang constellation is operated by China Satellite Network Group, a state-owned enterprise backed by the Chinese government. China Satellite Network Group plans to provide worldwide Internet connectivity services through the constellation. At present, domestic usage trials and agreements are taking place ahead of a general rollout starting in China.

After today’s launch, 231 GuoWang spacecraft are in orbit, functioning in and heading up to their operational orbits. In the 2030s, up to 13,000 satellites could be in operational orbits.

GuoWang satellites launched atop of the Long March 8A and the Long March 12 use the mega-constellations’ small satellite platform, weighing about 695 kilograms each. The platform utilizes electric propulsion systems to maneuver in orbit, powered by two solar panels.

With today’s flight, the Long March 8A has flown four times in the past four months from Commercial Launch Pad 1 since July, as well as a total of six times this year so far thanks to missions in January and March. 

This mission was the 12th launch of a Long March 8A vehicle, the 19th launch of the Long March 8 series (Long March 8 and 8A), and the 674th launch of the Long March launch vehicle series. This was also the 76th launch from China in 2026.

Video Credit: China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC)

Article Credit: Jack. C.
Duration: 19 seconds
Date: Oct. 25, 2026

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