China Launches New Reusable Rocket to Accelerate Satellite Deployment
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A reusable rocket lifted off this week carrying a group of satellites into orbit, part of China’s push to scale low-orbit satellite networks while lowering launch costs.
No first-stage recovery attempt was made during this mission, though future recovery tests are planned, according to China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp.
The Long March 12B rocket launched Monday from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwestern China, carrying satellites for the Qianfan Constellation, a growing low-Earth-orbit broadband network.
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- Long March 12B launched Monday from Dongfeng, carrying Qianfan satellites; total in orbit now 164.
- No first-stage recovery attempt, but future tests planned; rocket uses cost-cutting measures including automotive-grade components.
- Chinese rocket makers are developing reusable launch vehicles to reduce costs and increase flight frequency amid a global satellite boom.
- ...
- {"chinese":"中国长征十二号乙火箭周一发射，携带千帆星座卫星，这是中国最大单芯火箭，可运20吨至低轨道。采用供应链优化和汽车级组件降低成本，虽未尝试回收一级，但未来将测试可重复使用技术。","english":"China's Long March 12B rocket launched Monday carrying Qianfan constellation satellites. It's the country's largest single-core rocket, delivering 20 tons to low-Earth orbit. Cost-cutting measures include supply chain optimization and automotive-grade components. No first-stage recovery was attempted, but future tests are planned."}
- 2025：
- SpaceX ignited a global satellite boom, prompting Chinese companies to file applications for more than 203,000 satellites.
- Since late 2025：
- Chinese rocket makers have stepped up development of reusable launch vehicles, with several liquid-fueled rockets entering maiden-flight and recovery-test campaigns.
- Monday：
- Long March 12B rocket launched from Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone, carrying satellites for the Qianfan Constellation.
- As of this launch：
- The number of Qianfan satellites in orbit reached 164.
- By the end of this launch：
- The Qianfan Constellation has completed four missions this year, expanding faster than in all of 2025.
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