China marked a significant milestone in its space endeavors with the successful maiden flight of the Long March 12B carrier rocket on Monday. The launch took place at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, where the rocket successfully reached its planned orbit, deploying the latest batch of the Spacesail Constellation communication satellites.
The Long March 12B stands out as China’s most powerful single-body rocket to date, measuring approximately 72 meters tall. This two-stage launch vehicle is equipped with 10 engines powered by liquid oxygen and kerosene, generating about 800 metric tons of thrust at liftoff. It can carry payloads exceeding 20 tons into low-Earth orbit, highlighting a notable advancement in China’s aerospace capabilities.
Development of this formidable rocket began in September 2024, integrating several cutting-edge technologies. Engineers implemented high-performance propulsion components, lightweight structures, and optimized fuel management systems. Additionally, autonomous flight-control software was incorporated to manage any potential in-flight anomalies, enhancing both performance and efficiency.
Looking ahead, engineers are preparing for upcoming tests aimed at recovering and reusing the rocket’s first-stage booster. Should these efforts prove successful, a reusable version of the Long March 12B could soon be operational, paving the way for more cost-effective space missions.
The mission also served to expand the Spacesail Constellation, a satellite network in low-Earth orbit designed to deliver high-speed global broadband internet services. With over 160 satellites now launched, the project has ambitious plans to deploy more than 10,000 satellites by 2030. This successful launch underscores China’s growing commercial space sector and its ambitions to enhance global satellite internet coverage.