Long March 8A | SatNet LEO Group 18
Long March 8A • Long March
📝 Mission Description
Long March 8A Launch: A Step Forward in China's Orbital Ambitions
On January 13, 2026, China's space program marked another milestone with the launch of the Long March 8A rocket from an undisclosed site, carrying an unknown payload. While specific mission details remain classified—listed simply as "TBD" in public records—this event underscores the evolving capabilities of China's launch vehicles amid a global surge in space activities. The Long March 8A, a variant of the reliable Long March family, is engineered for versatility, potentially supporting satellite deployments, scientific experiments, or even contributions to China's burgeoning space station program.
At the heart of the mission are the objectives tied to the rocket's payload capabilities. The Long March 8A is designed to handle payloads up to 4.5 metric tons to geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) or around 7 tons to low Earth orbit (LEO), making it ideal for medium-lift tasks. Given the undisclosed nature of the payload, speculation points to possibilities like advanced communication satellites, Earth observation instruments, or technology demonstrators for deep-space probes. Such missions align with China's focus on enhancing global navigation systems, environmental monitoring, and military reconnaissance. The rocket's modular design allows for adaptability, enabling it to carry multiple smaller satellites or a single large one, which could support initiatives like the Belt and Road Space Information Corridor, aimed at fostering international cooperation in space-based infrastructure.
Technically, the Long March 8A builds on the Long March 8 baseline with enhancements for improved efficiency. Standing approximately 50 meters tall and weighing about 356 tons at liftoff, it features a two-stage core with optional side boosters. The first stage is powered by two YF-100K kerosene-liquid oxygen engines, delivering a combined thrust of around 240 tons, while the second stage uses a YF-75 hydrogen-oxygen engine for precise orbital insertion. A key innovation is the partial reusability of the first stage, inspired by global trends in cost reduction, though full recovery systems are still in development. This design prioritizes reliability, with a thrust-to-weight ratio that allows for flexible launch trajectories, reducing the risk of payload stress during ascent.
The performance history of the Long March 8 series provides context for this launch. Debuting in December 2020, the Long March 8 has achieved a success rate exceeding 95% across its variants, with notable missions including the deployment of the Gaofen-14 Earth observation satellite and contributions
ℹ️ Official Details
A batch of 9 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 8A launch of SatNet LEO Group 18 on January 13, 2026, achieved a successful orbital insertion, marking another milestone for the Chinese state-owned SatNet constellation. The rocket performed flawlessly, demonstrating robust technical reliability during ascent and stage separation. All nine Low Earth Orbit communication satellites were deployed precisely into their designated orbits, contributing to the ambitious goal of a 13,000-satellite network operated by the China Satellite Network Group. Key engineering outcomes include validated propulsion and guidance systems, reinforcing confidence in the Long March 8A’s design for high-frequency launches. This mission’s success underscores China’s growing capability in large-scale constellation deployment, paving the way for enhanced global communication coverage. For future missions, it highlights the scalability of the SatNet project and the potential for increased launch cadence to meet the constellation’s expansive targets.