Overview

• On August 4, China deployed the third batch of Guowang satellites in eight days via a Long March 12 rocket, CASC confirmed.
• The latest mission marked the first to integrate a commercial satellite manufacturer, advancing private sector involvement in China’s state-run program.
• Accelerated deployments have raised Guowang’s constellation to 57 satellites, a sharp jump from roughly one batch every two months earlier this year.
• The two-stage Long March 12, using low-temperature liquid propellant, achieved its second successful flight since November 2024 and can lift 12 tons into low Earth orbit.
• Priority for Guowang launches has tightened national rocket resources and sidelined other projects such as Shanghai-backed Qianfan, which is now seeking private launch providers.