About SatNet LEO Group 26
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.
Orbital Attempt
#7,402
CASC Mission
#616
Pad Launch
#14
Location Launch
#74
Designator
2026-221
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
Capacity
9,800 kg
Capacity
3,500 kg
Capacity
7,000 kg
Reusable
No
Maiden Flight
2025
Fastest Turnaround
18d 15h
Total Launches
12
Successful
12
Failed
0
Consecutive Success
12
Maiden flight: Feb 11, 2025
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
621
Successful
605
Failed
16
Pending
10
Consecutive Success
12
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
Sep 23, 2026, 9:32 PM
Total Launches
76
Total Landings
0
Coordinates
19.6145, 110.9511
Sep 23, 2026, 1:32 PM
Minute
5 updates
1:24 PM
Window Open
1:49 PM
Window Close
Launch success.
SourceLiftoff.
SourceNew launch date and time per NOTAMs.
SourceReverted back to NET September TBD per cancellation of NOTAMs.
SourceAdded launch per NOTAMs; Payload and launch vehicle identities uncertain.
Source
