On January 13, 2026, the Chinese mainland lifted off the 18th batch of low-orbit internet satellites from the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site. A Long March-8A rocket streaked into the night sky at 11:25 p.m., carrying up to 7 tonnes of payload to a sun-synchronous orbit 700 km above Earth. 🌙
Developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, the liquid-propellant Long March-8A measures 50.5 meters and boasts a liftoff weight of 371 tonnes with a thrust of 480 tonnes. This launch not only expands the low- and medium-Earth orbit constellation for faster, more reliable global internet coverage but also marks the 625th mission of the Long March series—a true endurance champion in the space arena. 💪🛰️
For young entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts, these satellites signal more opportunities in Asia's booming digital economy. Faster connections across the Chinese mainland, Asia, Latin America, and beyond mean smoother remote work, streaming, and real-time data sharing. Think of it as upgrading your Wi-Fi speed on a planetary scale—no buffering, just pure ✨instant vibes✨ from any corner of the globe!
As the global space race heats up, keep an eye on the skies. Next stop: more innovation, more connections, and a new era of internet access that brings us all a little closer. Ready to surf the cosmic web? 🌏🚀
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
