China is set to launch the Long March-8A rocket in January from Hainan’s Wenchang Space Launch Site. Developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, the rocket boasts upgraded engines and a larger fairing, enabling it to carry up to seven tons into orbit.
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This launch is pivotal for the Guowang project, aiming to deploy 13,000 satellites for global broadband, challenging SpaceX’s Starlink. Alongside the Qianfan Constellation’s 15,000 satellites by 2030, China is ramping up its presence in low-Earth orbit.
China’s space sector has completed 62 orbital launches in 2024, showcasing rapid advancements in satellite technology and network expansion.
