China has taken another significant stride in its ambitious space-based internet infrastructure project with the successful deployment of its fourteenth satellite cluster. The launch occurred at 3:53 PM local time on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Center in Wenchang.
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CASC), the nation’s premier state-owned space enterprise, orchestrated the mission utilizing a Long March 8A carrier rocket. The newly deployed satellites, engineered by CASC’s subsidiary China Academy of Space Technology, have successfully reached their designated orbital positions according to official statements.
This latest deployment contributes to the approximately 100 satellites launched throughout 2025 alone, accelerating the development of China’s extensive low-Earth orbit network. The project represents China’s counterpart to SpaceX’s Starlink constellation, envisioning global internet coverage through space-based infrastructure.
The Long March 8A vehicle, developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, stands as a formidable launch platform measuring 50.5 meters in height. With a liftoff mass of 371 metric tons and generating approximately 480 tons of thrust, this medium-lift rocket specializes in transporting payloads to sun-synchronous orbits. Its capabilities include delivering up to 7 metric tons to orbits at 700 kilometers altitude.
This mission marked several milestones: the 80th Chinese space endeavor of the year and the 612th overall flight for the Long March rocket series. Notably, this deployment represents the fifth dedicated mission where the Long March 8A variant has been employed specifically for deploying internet connectivity satellites.