China is readying the Long March-8A rocket for its maiden flight, aiming to bolster its satellite constellations, according to an announcement from China's State Council.
The upgraded rocket, shipped to the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan Province, is scheduled to launch in January, according to China's State Council.
Designed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), the Long March-8A features enhanced engines and a 5.2-meter fairing, enabling it to carry up to seven tons to a 700-kilometer Sun-synchronous orbit.
The rocket represents a key step in China’s ambition to create large satellite constellations like the Guowang, intended to provide global broadband internet and compete with SpaceX’s Starlink, which already has over 5,000 satellites in orbit.
Guowang plans to deploy 13,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO), targeting global connectivity and national security.
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The Long March-8A follows the December 2020 debut of its predecessor, with 44 ground tests completed over 28 months.
It also arrives weeks after the Long March-12, China’s first four-meter-class launcher, successfully lifted off. Both rockets are crucial for deploying large-scale networks, including the Guowang and Qianfan constellations.
China Satellite Network Group (China SatNet) leads the Guowang initiative, which supersedes earlier projects like Hongyan and Hongyun.
The Qianfan Constellation, also known as the G60 broadband network, aims to orbit 15,000 satellites by 2030.
China's space sector has been active, conducting 62 orbital launches in 2024, just shy of last year’s record of 67.
The nation has already launched over 230 spacecraft this year, exceeding its 2023 record of 221 and signaling rapid growth.
Recent launches include upgrades to the Beidou navigation system, expected to refresh by 2035 with 30 new satellites.
China’s flagship Long March-5B rocket, infamous for uncontrolled reentries of its first stage, will support upcoming Guowang launches.
For the first time, the rocket will use a Yuanzheng-2 upper stage to deliver multiple satellites, potentially mitigating reentry concerns.
Commercial Chinese players are also developing reusable medium-lift launchers to secure contracts for constellation deployments, while state-owned enterprises like CALT advance large-scale projects.
The Long March-8A is poised to become a cornerstone of China's future space missions.
