Success
SatNet LEO Group 18
Communications
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation(CASC)GovernmentLong March 8A
LEOorbit
A batch of 9 Low Earth Orbit communication satellites for the Chinese state owned SatNet constellation operated by the China Satellite Network Group. The constellation will eventually consists of 13000 satellites.
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 3:25 PM
Replay
Mission details
Orbital Attempt
#7,181
CASC Mission
#572
Pad Launch
#7
Location Launch
#56
Designator
2026-007
Launch Window
NET
Jan 13, 2026, 3:25 PM
Precision
Minute
Schedule Changes
1 update
Lift Off
3:17 PM
Window Open
3:42 PM
Window Close
Long March 8A Specs
The Long March 8A is an orbital launch vehicle developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology based on the Long March 8. It has an increased capability of up to 7 tonnes to a 700 km altitude sun-synchronous orbit. It implements a larger 3.35 meters diameter liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen 2nd stage, coupled with 2 upgraded version of the YF-75D engines used on the Long March 5 (known as the YF-75H) with increased thrust to 10 tonnes each through measures such as increased turbopump speeds. The Long March 8A can also use a larger 5.2 meters diameter payload fairing.
Length
50.5 m
Diameter
3.35 m
Launch Mass
371 t
Thrust
4,800 kN
LEO Capacity
9,800 kg
GTO Capacity
3,500 kg
SSO Capacity
7,000 kg
Reusable
No
Maiden Flight
2025
Fastest Turnaround
18d 15h
Total Launches
8
Successful
8
Failed
0
Consecutive Success
8
Maiden flight: Feb 11, 2025
Wenchang Space Launch Site, People's Republic of China
The Wenchang Space Launch Site is a rocket launch site located in Wenchang on the island of Hainan, in China. Formally a suborbital test center, it currently serves as China's southernmost spaceport. The site was selected for its low latitude, 19° north of the equator, allowing for larger payloads to be launched. It is capable of launching the Long March 5, the heaviest Chinese rocket. Unlike launch facilities on the mainland, Wenchang uses its seaport for deliveries.
Timezone
Asia/Shanghai
Local Launch Time
Jan 13, 2026, 11:25 PM
Total Launches
62
Total Landings
0
Coordinates
19.6145, 110.9511
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) is the main contractor for the Chinese space program. It is state-owned and has a number of subordinate entities which design, develop and manufacture a range of spacecraft, launch vehicles, strategic and tactical missile systems, and ground equipment. It was officially established in July 1999 as part of a Chinese government reform drive, having previously been one part of the former China Aerospace Corporation. Various incarnations of the program date back to 1956.
Founded
1999
Administrator
Chairman & President: Lei Fanpei
Total Launches
592
Successful
577
Failed
15
Pending
9
Consecutive Success
18