Long March 8A | SatNet LEO Group 10
Long March 8A • Long March
📝 Mission Description
China's Long March 8A Boosts SatNet Constellation with Latest Deployment
On August 25, 2025, a Long March 8A rocket thundered into the sky from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center on Hainan Island, carrying nine communication satellites destined for low Earth orbit (LEO). This mission, dubbed SatNet LEO Group 10, marks another step in China's ambitious push to build a massive satellite network that could rival global leaders in space-based connectivity.
The primary objective of the mission was to deploy a batch of satellites for the SatNet constellation, operated by the state-owned China Satellite Network Group. These satellites are designed to provide high-speed internet and communication services, particularly in underserved regions. Each satellite in this group weighs approximately 300 kilograms and is equipped with advanced phased-array antennas for beamforming, enabling precise signal targeting and efficient data transmission. The payload's capabilities extend to supporting broadband internet, IoT connectivity, and potentially military applications, given the dual-use nature of such technology. With a total constellation target of 13,000 satellites, SatNet aims to achieve global coverage, much like SpaceX's Starlink, by leveraging LEO's advantages in low latency and high bandwidth. This launch successfully placed the satellites into a 500-kilometer orbit, where they will undergo testing before integrating into the operational network.
At the heart of the mission is the Long March 8A rocket, a medium-lift vehicle developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. Standing about 50 meters tall with a diameter of 3.35 meters, the rocket features a two-stage design augmented by four liquid-fueled boosters. Its first stage is powered by YF-100 engines burning kerosene and liquid oxygen, delivering a thrust of around 1,200 kilonewtons each, while the second stage uses YF-75 engines with liquid hydrogen and oxygen for enhanced efficiency in vacuum. The 8A variant improves upon the base Long March 8 by incorporating grid fins for better control during ascent and a fairing capable of accommodating larger payloads—up to 4.5 tons to sun-synchronous orbit or 7 tons to LEO. This design emphasizes reusability potential, with plans for future iterations to include recoverable boosters, aligning with global trends toward cost-effective space access.
The Long March 8 series has built a solid performance history since its inaugural flight in December 2020. With over a dozen successful launches by 2025, it boasts a
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 10 on August 25, 2025, achieved a successful orbital insertion and payload deployment, marking another milestone for China’s ambitious satellite constellation project. The rocket performed flawlessly, delivering nine Low Earth Orbit communication satellites for the SatNet constellation, operated by the China Satellite Network Group, into their designated orbits with precision. All satellites were deployed as planned, contributing to the goal of a 13,000-satellite network for global connectivity. Key engineering outcomes include the robust performance of the Long March 8A, affirming its reliability for multi-payload missions. This success reinforces confidence in the rocket’s design and operational capabilities, paving the way for future launches to expand the constellation. It also highlights China’s accelerating progress in space-based communication infrastructure, setting a strong foundation for scaling up deployments in subsequent missions.