Long March 6A | SatNet LEO Group 09
Long March 6A • Long March
📝 Mission Description
China's Long March 6A Launches SatNet LEO Group 09: Advancing a Mega-Constellation
On August 17, 2025, China's space program marked another milestone with the successful launch of the Long March 6A rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. Carrying the SatNet LEO Group 09 payload, this mission deployed five low Earth orbit (LEO) communication satellites into orbit, contributing to the ambitious SatNet constellation operated by the state-owned China Satellite Network Group. This deployment underscores China's accelerating push into global satellite communications, aiming to bridge digital divides and enhance connectivity.
The primary objective of the SatNet LEO Group 09 mission is to expand the constellation's coverage, which is designed to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet worldwide. Each of the five satellites weighs approximately 500 kilograms and features advanced phased-array antennas for beamforming, enabling dynamic signal allocation to users on the ground. These satellites operate at altitudes between 500 and 600 kilometers, minimizing latency to under 20 milliseconds—crucial for applications like real-time video streaming, remote sensing, and IoT connectivity. The payload's capabilities include inter-satellite laser links, allowing data relay without ground station dependency, which enhances network resilience and global reach. As part of a planned 13,000-satellite mega-constellation, these additions will incrementally build toward full operational capacity, targeting seamless coverage over land, sea, and air by the early 2030s.
The Long March 6A rocket, developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, represents a modern evolution in China's launch capabilities. Standing about 50 meters tall with a diameter of 3.35 meters at its core, it employs a two-stage design augmented by four solid rocket boosters. The first stage is powered by three YF-100 liquid oxygen/kerosene engines, delivering a combined thrust of over 1,200 kilonewtons, while the second stage uses a single YF-115 engine for precise orbital insertion. With a liftoff mass of around 530 tons, the rocket can deliver up to 12 tons to low Earth orbit or 6 tons to sun-synchronous orbit, making it versatile for constellation deployments. Its modular design emphasizes reusability potential, though current iterations focus on cost-effective, high-frequency launches.
Performance history of the Long March 6A has been robust since its maiden flight in 2022. By 2025, it has completed over a dozen
ℹ️ Official Details
A batch of 5 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 6A mission on August 17, 2025, successfully launched and deployed five Low Earth Orbit communication satellites for the SatNet constellation, managed by the China Satellite Network Group. The rocket performed flawlessly, achieving precise orbital insertion and demonstrating robust technical reliability. Payload deployment was executed as planned, with all satellites entering their designated orbits, contributing to the ambitious goal of a 13,000-satellite network for global connectivity. Key engineering outcomes include validated propulsion and guidance systems, reinforcing confidence in the Long March 6A’s design for high-frequency launches. This success underscores China’s growing prowess in satellite constellation deployment and paves the way for accelerated launches to expand the SatNet system. Future missions will likely build on this momentum, focusing on scalability and operational efficiency to meet the constellation’s massive scope.