🚀 On January 16 at 4:10 a.m. Beijing Time, the Chinese mainland kicked off 2026 with its first sea-based space mission of the year. A CERES-1 Y7 commercial rocket lifted off from a floating platform, sending four new satellites into low-Earth orbit.
These satellites are the sixth batch of the Tianqi constellation, the Chinese mainland's pioneering low-Earth orbit internet of Things (IoT) network. Last year, on May 19, 2025, the CERES-1 Y5 rocket completed the first-phase global deployment of this network.
With this launch, the Tianqi constellation enters a new chapter: large-scale application and ecosystem-driven growth of next-generation satellite communication services. From tracking cargo across ports to connecting remote sensors, these satellites aim to power a smarter, more connected world.
Key takeaways:
- Launch vehicle: CERES-1 Y7 commercial rocket
- Mission type: First sea-based launch of 2026
- Payload: Four satellites for the sixth Tianqi deployment
- Goal: Expand the low-Earth orbit IoT ecosystem
Stay tuned as the Tianqi network levels up global connectivity, one launch at a time! 🌐✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
