Helsinki recently witnessed a significant advancement in satellite technology as China successfully launched a new set of Guowang megaconstellation satellites. This launch occurred alongside a separate initiative that involved deploying a developmental satellite for the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Successful Launch of Guowang Satellites
The Long March 12 rocket lifted off in the early hours of August 16 from the Hainan commercial space launch center in southern China. This successful mission arrived just days after a Long March 7A rocket faced a catastrophic failure, suggesting no systemic issues with the YF-100 engine family. The payload comprised the 24th operational batch of satellites for the Guowang constellation, which now boasts a total of 195 satellites in orbit, excluding additional experimental units. Built by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), the specifics and images of these new satellites were not disclosed, a common practice for this program that aims to deploy around 13,000 satellites in low Earth orbit.
This launch was carried out by the China Commercial Rocket entity, often abbreviated as CACL. For clarity, this should not be mixed up with another commercial arm of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), known for operating the Jielong solid rocket series. The Long March 12 is now recognized as a reliable option, having been launched seven times in its standard, expendable configuration.
Implications of Recent Developments
The Long March 12 uses YF-100K engines and has indicated that the anomaly affecting the Long March 7A was likely not related to the engines. However, the grounding of Long March 7A will inevitably influence China’s plans and timelines for geosynchronous launches, particularly given the shared third stage with the Long March 3B. This rocket recently returned to service following earlier launch failures earlier this year, making the current situation particularly pressing for China’s space ambitions.
Local reports note that the launch pad was quickly transitioned from a 5-meter rocket configuration to accommodate the 4-meter Long March 12, which occupied the site for a mere 2.5 days prior to launch. This agility underscores China’s capability to adapt to changing mission demands and enhance operational efficiencies.
UAE’s Earth Observation Satellite Launch
Following its Guowang mission, China also facilitated a launch for the UAE, where a Long March 2C rocket took flight late on August 16. This mission, designated the “Satellite for Earth Observation” (SEO), was reported by the China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), part of CASC that focuses on international launch contracts. The SEO project aims to advance space technologies and promote sustainability initiatives, providing critical data for environmental protection and natural resource management.
Developed by the National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) of UAE University, this satellite project collaborates closely with the UAE Space Agency and various Chinese partners. Notably, NSSTC’s previous satellite, the hyperspectral Satellite 813, was successfully launched by a different rocket in late 2022.
As of now, China has achieved its 58th and 59th launches for the year, aiming for over 100 missions in 2026. Future launches could potentially feature innovative rockets like the Zhuque-3 and Galactic Energy’s Pallas-1, signaling a consistently growing and ambitious space program. With these advancements, both China’s and the UAE’s endeavors underline the expanding landscape of international collaborations in space exploration and technology.