China Successfully Launches Low-Earth Orbit Satellite Rocket: "A Major Step Toward Catching Up with Starlink"

Changzheng-8A Launch
Multiple Low-Earth Orbit Satellites Successfully Deployed

China has successfully launched the dedicated rocket "Changzheng-8A" for low-Earth orbit satellite deployment. This move is being interpreted as an attempt to catch up with Starlink, the satellite internet company founded by Elon Musk and operated by SpaceX.

China Changzheng 6A.

According to a report by the Chinese state-run English-language newspaper China Daily on February 12, the Changzheng-8A rocket was launched at 5:30 p.m. local time the previous day from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan Province, southern China. Multiple low-Earth orbit satellites carried by the Changzheng-8A were precisely placed into their designated orbits. The media outlet did not disclose the exact number of satellites launched.

The Changzheng-8A is an improved version of the Changzheng-8 rocket, which has been flying since 2020. While the original Changzheng-8 had a payload capacity of 5 tons, the Changzheng-8A can carry up to 7 tons. Song Zhengyu, chief rocket scientist at the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CASC), stated, "The Changzheng-8A rocket is used to launch multiple satellites for China's large-scale space-based internet network."

He added, "China is currently building several internet satellite networks, but is maintaining a 'low-key' strategy regarding these projects."

Bloomberg News described the successful launch of the Changzheng-8A as a significant step in China's efforts to catch up with Elon Musk's Starlink. According to local media, the Changzheng-8A is scheduled to carry out more than 10 launch missions this year alone. Starlink currently operates more than 7,000 low-Earth orbit satellites.