Long March 8A | SatNet LEO Group 06
Long March 8A • Long March
📝 Mission Description
China's Long March 8A Powers Ahead with SatNet Constellation Deployment
On July 30, 2025, China marked another milestone in its ambitious space program with the successful launch of the Long March 8A rocket from the Wenchang Space Launch Site. Carrying the SatNet LEO Group 06 mission, the rocket deployed nine Low Earth Orbit (LEO) communication satellites into orbit, contributing to the burgeoning SatNet constellation. Operated by the state-owned China Satellite Network Group, this network aims to revolutionize global connectivity, with plans for an eventual fleet of 13,000 satellites providing broadband internet, remote sensing, and data services worldwide.
The mission's primary objective centers on expanding the SatNet constellation, which is designed to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet access to underserved regions, including rural areas and maritime zones. Each of the nine satellites in this batch weighs approximately 1,200 kilograms and features advanced phased-array antennas for beamforming, enabling precise signal direction and efficient spectrum usage. Payload capabilities include multi-gigabit data throughput per satellite, supporting applications from telemedicine to disaster response. By operating in LEO at altitudes around 1,000 kilometers, these satellites minimize signal delay compared to geostationary counterparts, positioning SatNet as a competitive alternative to Western systems like Starlink. This deployment brings the constellation closer to its interim goal of 1,000 operational satellites by 2027, enhancing China's capacity for global data sovereignty and reducing reliance on foreign networks.
At the heart of the mission is the Long March 8A rocket, a two-stage vehicle developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. Standing about 50 meters tall with a diameter of 3.35 meters, it boasts a liftoff mass of around 356 tons. The first stage is powered by two YF-100K kerosene-liquid oxygen engines, delivering a combined thrust of 2,400 kilonewtons, while the second stage uses a single YF-75 engine running on liquid hydrogen and oxygen for upper-atmosphere maneuvers. A key innovation is its reusable design elements, including grid fins for controlled descent, drawing inspiration from global trends toward cost-effective rocketry. The 8A variant enhances payload capacity to LEO, capable of lofting up to 4.5 tons—ideal for multi-satellite deployments like SatNet's batches. This modularity allows for rapid assembly and launch cadences, with the rocket's fairing accommodating payloads up to 4
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 on July 30, 2025, for the SatNet LEO Group 06 mission achieved a successful orbital insertion, marking another milestone for China’s ambitious satellite constellation project. 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 SatNet constellation’s goal of 13,000 satellites for global connectivity under the China Satellite Network Group. Key engineering outcomes include validated multi-payload deployment mechanisms and enhanced launch vehicle stability, critical for high-frequency missions. This success reinforces the Long March 8A’s role as a dependable workhorse for China’s space ambitions. Looking ahead, it sets a strong foundation for scaling up satellite deployments, ensuring rapid constellation expansion and supporting future missions with increased payload capacities and operational efficiency.