Long March 6A | SatNet LEO Group 04
Long March 6A • Long March
📝 Mission Description
China's Long March 6A Launches SatNet LEO Group 04: Expanding Global Connectivity
On June 5, 2025, China marked another milestone in its ambitious space program with the successful launch of the Long March 6A rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. Carrying the SatNet LEO Group 04 payload—a batch of five low Earth orbit (LEO) communication satellites—this mission bolsters the burgeoning SatNet constellation, operated by the state-owned China Satellite Network Group. As global demand for high-speed, reliable internet surges, this deployment underscores China's push to rival Western counterparts in satellite-based broadband services.
The primary objective of the SatNet LEO Group 04 mission is to enhance the constellation's coverage and capacity for global telecommunications. These satellites, each weighing approximately 500 kilograms, are designed to provide low-latency internet access, supporting applications from remote education and telemedicine to maritime and aviation connectivity. Positioned in orbits around 1,000 kilometers above Earth, they integrate advanced laser inter-satellite links for seamless data relay, enabling efficient global networking without heavy reliance on ground stations. The payload's capabilities extend to handling data rates up to several gigabits per second per satellite, with built-in redundancy to mitigate space debris risks and ensure operational longevity of up to 10 years. This batch contributes to SatNet's phased rollout, aiming for a total of 13,000 satellites by the early 2030s, which could deliver broadband to underserved regions and compete with constellations like SpaceX's Starlink.
At the heart of the mission is the Long March 6A rocket, a versatile launch vehicle developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. This two-stage rocket, standing about 50 meters tall with a diameter of 3.35 meters, features four solid-fuel side boosters that provide initial thrust, augmenting its liquid oxygen/kerosene-fueled core stage. With a liftoff mass exceeding 500 tons, the Long March 6A can deliver up to 12 tons to low Earth orbit or 6 tons to sun-synchronous orbit, making it ideal for deploying multiple satellites in a single flight. Its design emphasizes cost-efficiency and rapid turnaround, incorporating modular components for streamlined assembly and environmental controls to minimize launch vibrations on sensitive payloads.
The Long March 6A has built a solid performance history since its maiden flight in March 2022. Over a dozen launches by mid-2025 have achieved a near-perfect success rate, with only minor
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, SatNet LEO Group 04, launched on June 05, 2025, achieved a successful orbital insertion and payload deployment. The rocket performed flawlessly, demonstrating robust technical reliability during ascent and stage separation. All five Low Earth Orbit communication satellites, part of the ambitious SatNet constellation operated by China Satellite Network Group, were deployed into their designated orbits with precision, marking another step toward the planned 13,000-satellite network. Key engineering outcomes include validated launch vehicle stability and accurate payload delivery, critical for scaling future missions. This success reinforces the Long March 6A’s role in supporting high-frequency launches for large constellations. Looking ahead, the mission’s outcomes provide valuable data for optimizing launch cadences and satellite integration, paving the way for accelerated deployment of the SatNet constellation and strengthening China’s position in global satellite communication infrastructure.