Long March 12 | SatNet LEO Group 07
Long March 12 • Long March
📝 Mission Description
China's Long March 12 Propels SatNet Constellation Forward with Latest Launch
On August 4, 2025, China's space ambitions took another significant step forward as the Long March 12 rocket lifted off from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center, carrying a payload of nine communication satellites destined for low Earth orbit (LEO). This mission, designated as SatNet LEO Group 07, marks a key increment in the deployment of the SatNet constellation, a sprawling network operated by the state-owned China Satellite Network Group. With plans to expand to 13,000 satellites, SatNet aims to provide global broadband internet coverage, positioning China as a major player in the increasingly competitive field of satellite-based communications.
The primary objective of this mission is to bolster the SatNet constellation's capacity for high-speed, low-latency internet services. Each of the nine satellites weighs approximately 1,200 kilograms and is equipped with advanced phased-array antennas and laser inter-satellite links, enabling seamless data relay across the network. These satellites operate in orbits around 1,200 kilometers above Earth, where they can deliver download speeds exceeding 100 Mbps to users in remote or underserved regions. Payload capabilities include multi-beam technology for targeted coverage, supporting applications from telemedicine and education to disaster response and maritime connectivity. By batching deployments like this, China is accelerating the constellation's build-out, with the ultimate goal of rivaling established systems like SpaceX's Starlink, which already boasts thousands of operational satellites.
At the heart of the mission is the Long March 12 rocket, a next-generation launch vehicle developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. Standing about 62 meters tall with a diameter of 3.8 meters, this two-stage rocket is powered by liquid oxygen and kerosene engines, delivering a thrust of over 1,000 tons at liftoff. Its first stage features four YF-100K engines, while the second stage uses a single, more efficient variant for orbital insertion. Designed for reusability in future iterations, the Long March 12 can loft up to 10 tons to LEO or 6 tons to sun-synchronous orbit, making it versatile for both commercial and military payloads. Technical innovations include grid fins for improved stability during ascent and a modular fairing that accommodates larger satellite stacks, enhancing efficiency for mega-constellation deployments.
The Long March family has a storied performance history, with over 500 launches since the program's inception in 1970. The Long March 12,
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 12 mission on August 4, 2025, achieved a successful orbital insertion and payload deployment, marking another milestone for the SatNet LEO constellation. The rocket performed flawlessly, delivering nine communication satellites into Low Earth Orbit for the China Satellite Network Group. Technical performance was consistent with mission parameters, showcasing the reliability of the Long March 12 platform. All satellites were deployed accurately, contributing to the ambitious goal of a 13,000-satellite network for global connectivity. Key engineering outcomes include validated launch vehicle stability and precise payload separation mechanisms, reinforcing confidence in the design. This success strengthens the SatNet program's momentum and sets a positive precedent for future launches, highlighting China's growing prowess in large-scale constellation deployment. It also underscores the importance of scalability and precision for upcoming missions in this expansive satellite initiative.