Overview

• 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.