Early on Jan. 23, 2025, China launched the fourth batch of 18 Thousand Sails/Qianfan Polar Orbit Group 6 satellites aboard a Long March 6A rocket. The mission took off at 12:11 AM Eastern (0511 UTC) from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, adding to the growing Thousand Sails megaconstellation, which aims to provide global low Earth orbit internet services.
This launch is part of China’s ambitious plans to establish a constellation of 14,000 satellites, with 600 expected in orbit by the end of 2025. The Long March 6A, developed by SAST, has become a critical asset in China's space program, successfully launching 72 Qianfan satellites to date.
Highlights: 🌍 Megaconstellation Goal: 14,000 satellites for global internet 🚀 Launch Vehicle: Long March 6A 📍 Launch Site: Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, China 📡 Orbit Type: Polar Low Earth Orbit (89° inclination) 💡 Developed and funded by Spacesail (SSST) and Shanghai Engineering Center for Microsatellites #ChinaSpace #LongMarch6A #ThousandSails #Megaconstellation #RocketLaunch #LEOInternet #SpaceExploration
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