Long March 5B/YZ-2 | SatNet LEO Group 08
Long March 5B/YZ-2 • Long March
📝 Mission Description
China's Long March 5B Launches SatNet LEO Group 08: Expanding Global Connectivity
On August 13, 2025, China's space ambitions took another stride forward with the successful launch of the Long March 5B/YZ-2 rocket from the Wenchang Space Launch Site. Carrying a payload of 10 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) communication satellites, this mission—designated SatNet LEO Group 08—marks a key step in building the expansive SatNet constellation operated by the state-owned China Satellite Network Group. As the eighth batch in this series, it underscores Beijing's push to dominate satellite-based internet and data services, rivaling global players like SpaceX's Starlink.
The primary objective of the SatNet LEO Group 08 mission is to deploy satellites that will enhance broadband connectivity, particularly in underserved regions. Each of these 10 satellites is designed for high-throughput data transmission, operating at altitudes between 500 and 1,200 kilometers. With advanced phased-array antennas and laser inter-satellite links, they enable seamless global coverage, supporting applications from remote education and telemedicine to real-time IoT connectivity. The payload's capabilities extend to low-latency communications, with each satellite capable of handling gigabit-per-second speeds for thousands of users simultaneously. This batch contributes to the SatNet constellation's ultimate goal of 13,000 satellites, which aims to provide ubiquitous, high-speed internet by the end of the decade. By clustering satellites in LEO, the system minimizes signal delay compared to geostationary alternatives, positioning it as a cornerstone for China's digital economy and international outreach.
At the heart of this mission is the Long March 5B/YZ-2 rocket, a heavy-lift variant of the Long March 5 family developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. Standing approximately 53 meters tall with a diameter of 5 meters, it features a core stage powered by two YF-77 engines using liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, supplemented by four strap-on boosters each equipped with YF-100 kerosene-oxygen engines. This configuration delivers a thrust of over 1,000 tons at liftoff, enabling it to place up to 25 tons into LEO—ideal for deploying multiple large satellites in a single flight. The YZ-2 upper stage, a specialized module for precise orbital insertion, enhances payload deployment accuracy, crucial for maintaining the constellation's orbital harmony. Innovations like grid fins for controlled re-entry address past concerns over
ℹ️ Official Details
A batch of 10 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.
🎯 Post-Launch Analysis
The Long March 5B/YZ-2 mission on August 13, 2025, achieved a successful launch and orbital insertion, marking another milestone for the SatNet LEO constellation. The rocket performed flawlessly, demonstrating robust technical execution and precise trajectory control during ascent. All 10 communication satellites were deployed into their designated Low Earth Orbit slots, contributing to the China Satellite Network Group’s ambitious goal of a 13,000-satellite constellation. Key engineering outcomes include validated propulsion and staging systems, reinforcing the reliability of the Long March 5B platform. This success underscores China’s growing expertise in large-scale satellite deployments and strengthens SatNet’s global connectivity framework. For future missions, this achievement sets a high standard for scalability and precision, paving the way for accelerated constellation buildup and potential enhancements in payload capacity or orbital insertion techniques.