16 August 2026 year Fr. 04:10 (UTC) from the Wenchang Launch Center, China was launched using the Long March 12 launch vehicle 9 Chinese communications satellite "SatNet LEO Group 24".
«SatNet LEO Group 24» – the next batch of communication satellites within the framework of the global project "GuoWang". Communications satellites to be deployed in low Earth orbit for China's state-owned SatNet Group, driven by China Satellite Network Group.
«GuoWang» (translated “National Network”) -This is a project to create a national satellite Internet System, aimed at providing a global broadband Internet cover, the needs of national security and international communication.
The design and payload of the satellites are not officially disclosed. The satellites are launched in groups of four carriers of different payloads, and three manufacturers are involved in the creation of satellites - China Research Academy of Space Technology CAST, Innovative Research Academy of Microsatellites IIAM and commercial company "Yinhe".
"Long March 12" is a Chinese medium-capacity two-stage launch vehicle, which is being developed by the Shanghai Academy of Space Flight Technology, which uses kerosene and liquid oxygen as fuel. She is able to bring out no less 10 a ton of payload to low Earth orbit and no less 6 ton in a 700-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit. Height — 59 city, diameter — 3,8 city. Masa - 433 T.
The Long March 12 first stage uses four YF-100K engines. The second stage is powered by two YF-115 engines.
At the moment, the current grouping is deployed in 12 orbital planes on working orbits with an inclination of 86.5° and a height of 1168 km and u 12 planes on working orbits with an inclination of 50° and height 1149 km.
At the moment of the group is 186 identified KA. China Satnet aims to expand the group to 13 thousand. KA.
According to the CCS