China Successfully Launches Second Batch of Qianfan Constellation Satellites
Taiyuan, China – China successfully launched the second batch of Qianfan constellation satellites into orbit on October 15th, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the country’s low-Earth orbit (LEO)internet ambitions. The launch, conducted at the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, utilized a Long March 6A carrier rocket, marking the 539th launch of theLong March series.
The Qianfan constellation, also known as the Thousand Sails constellation, aims to establish a robust LEO internet network, providing high-speed internet access to remote areas and enhancing connectivity across the globe.This second batch launch further expands the constellation’s capabilities, bringing China closer to its goal of achieving comprehensive internet coverage.
The Long March 6A rocket, developed by the Eighth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, is a new generation ofnon-toxic and pollution-free carrier rockets. It is also China’s first solid-liquid bundled medium-lift launch vehicle, boasting a payload capacity exceeding 4.5 tons for a 700-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit. This mission saw the Long March 6A rocket employing a stackedconfiguration to launch 18 satellites in a single launch, demonstrating its efficiency and advanced capabilities.
The launch of the Qianfan constellation’s second batch was facilitated by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation’s Great Wall Industry Corporation, which acted as the general contractor for the launch services. This successful launchbuilds upon the previous launch of the first batch of Qianfan constellation satellites, which also saw a successful one-launch, 18-satellite deployment.
This achievement underscores China’s continued commitment to advancing its space technology and establishing a robust presence in the LEO internet domain. The Qianfan constellation is expected to play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide, fostering economic development, and enhancing global connectivity.
References:
- IT之家. (2024, October 15). 我国成功发射千帆极轨 02 组卫星. Retrieved from https://www.ithome.com/0/675/886.htm
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