In the early hours of this morning, the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site ushered in an exciting moment - the first launch mission of the No. 1 launch station was a complete success.The Long March 8 Yao-6 launch vehicle accurately delivered the fifth batch of networking satellites of the Qianfan constellation into the predetermined orbit in the "eighteen stars with one arrow" method. This successful launch marks that my country's first commercial space launch site officially has dual-station launch capabilities.
On November 30, 2024, the launch station No. 2 of the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site was successfully launched. The No. 1 launch station for this launch mission is a suitable station for the Long March 8 series launch vehicles. It is 83 meters high and adopts a modular steel structure design. For the first time, ground diversion cones are used to conduct ground drainage and water spraying in two directions to achieve cooling and noise reduction.
The long-distance rocket test and launch control method and the improved "three vertical" test and launch mode enable the No. 1 launch station to have the rapid test and launch capability of "7 days for launch and 7 days for recovery", which can meet future high-density launch needs.
This launch mission is of great significance. It is the first collaborative operation between a commercial constellation company and a commercial space launch site, marking the successful opening of new application practices in China's commercial aerospace industry chain. Currently, the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site is fully promoting the construction of the second phase of the project, which will provide stronger infrastructure support for the development of my country's commercial space industry in the future.
The Long March 8 launch vehicle that carried out this launch mission is my country's new generation of medium-sized two-stage liquid bundled launch vehicle, developed by the First Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.This type of rocket is cost-effective and has excellent safety performance. It can meet the needs of high-density launches in medium and low orbits and is the backbone of my country's commercial space launches.
The fifth batch of networking satellites of the Qianfan constellation carried this time were constructed and operated by Shanghai Yuanxin Satellite Technology Co., Ltd. Qianfan Constellation is committed to building a global satellite Internet and providing users with high-speed and stable network services.
As the management department of the commercial aerospace industry, the National Space Administration provided all-round guarantees for this launch mission to ensure the safe and smooth implementation of the mission.