15 September 2026 year Fr. 22:00 (UTC) from the sea platform of Haiyan East Spaceport, The Yellow Sea, China, China's 9th spacecraft "SpaceSail Polar Group 26" was launched using the Gravity 1 launch vehicle .
«SpaceSail Polar Group 26» – is a group of 9 communication satellites in low Earth orbit with a payload in the Ku bands, Q and V for grouping "G60 (QUIAFAN)», which are operated by Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST). The group is positioned as an analogue of the Starlink group. The initial grouping will consist of 1296 satellites to 2027 year with long-term plans to expand it to 12000 satellites.
"Gravity-1" is a medium-class solid-fuel three-stage launch vehicle consisting of a central core and four side boosters. Stated, that the rocket can output 6,5 t payload to low orbit and 4,2 t to a sun-synchronous orbit. Gravity-1 is currently one of the most powerful solid-fuel rockets in the world.
The use of a solid fuel structure and a marine launch platform will in the long run reduce the time of launch preparation to 24 hours after receiving the request. This advantageously distinguishes the rocket from more complex liquid carriers.
Currently, the G60 grouping (QUIAFAN)» is 186 KA. This launch will expand the grouping of the G60 spacecraft (QUIAFAN)» will on 9 KA.