China Debuts Long 12 Rocket with First Launch from Commercial Spaceport

The maiden mission from Hainan's new commercial launch site successfully placed two experimental satellites into orbit, advancing China's space ambitions.

• The Long March 12 rocket lifted off on Saturday night from the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Center, marking its first-ever flight and the first launch from China's dedicated commercial spaceport.
• The rocket successfully delivered two experimental satellites into orbit, including one testing satellite internet technology for China's planned broadband megaconstellations aimed at rivaling SpaceX's Starlink.
• The Long March 12, China's widest rocket to date, has a payload capacity of 12 tons to low Earth orbit and features innovations such as liquid oxygen-compatible cold helium pressurization and aluminum-lithium alloy tanks.
• The Hainan spaceport, strategically located at a low latitude, is designed for high launch frequency and supports both state-owned and private space companies, with plans to expand reusable rocket capabilities.
• This launch underscores China's growing focus on commercial space development, with plans for satellite constellations, reusable rockets, and enhanced lunar exploration capabilities by 2030.

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