China Launches 24th Batch of Low-Orbit Internet Satellites

China launched the 24th batch of low-Earth orbit internet satellites on 16 August 2026 from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan Province, southern China. The satellites, identified as SatNet LEO Group 24, were carried by a Long March-12 carrier rocket during its Y8 mission and entered their preset orbits after launch at 12:10 p.m. Beijing Time, or 04:10 UTC.

Low-Earth Orbit Satellite Constellations

Low-Earth orbit, or LEO, refers to the region of space at altitudes of roughly 160 km to 2,000 km above Earth. LEO satellites are used for communications, Earth observation, remote sensing, and scientific missions because they complete an orbit in about 90 to 120 minutes. Internet satellite constellations use multiple spacecraft working together to provide broadband connectivity. Such systems are designed to reduce latency compared with geostationary satellites, which orbit at about 35,786 km above Earth.

Long March-12 and Commercial Launch Infrastructure

The Long March-12 is a Chinese carrier rocket used for space launch missions. It belongs to the Long March family of launch vehicles developed for satellite deployment and other orbital missions. The Wenchang Space Launch Site is located in Hainan Province and includes a commercial launch complex known as the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Center. Wenchang is one of China’s major coastal launch sites and is used for missions requiring large payload capacity.

China’s Satellite Internet Programme

China has been building a national low-orbit satellite constellation for global internet connectivity. Satellite constellations of this type are planned in batches, with each launch adding spacecraft to the network. The launch took place six days after a Long March 7A rocket exploded during ascent on 10 August 2026. China’s launch schedule continued with the successful deployment of the SatNet LEO Group 24 satellites.

Important Facts for Exams

• Low-Earth orbit is commonly used for communication satellites because it supports lower signal delay than higher orbits.
• The geostationary orbit lies at about 35,786 km above Earth’s equator.
• China’s Long March series is the country’s main family of orbital launch vehicles.
• Hainan is a southern Chinese island province with commercial launch facilities near the equator.

Space Launch Sites in China

China operates multiple launch centres for civil and commercial missions, including Wenchang in Hainan Province. Coastal launch sites are used for launches over the sea and for missions involving large rockets and heavy payloads. The SatNet LEO Group 24 mission was the 24th batch in China’s low-orbit internet satellite programme. The spacecraft were placed into their designated orbits after launch from the commercial launch complex at Wenchang.