(SCMP) China’s latest satellite launch is a milestone for its commercial space sector
China recently launched a cluster of 18 satellites from a new commercial spaceport in Hainan province, marking a significant development in the country’s space industry. This launch involved the Long March-8 Y6 rocket in a “ride-share” mission for the first time, carrying satellites for a commercial enterprise. The satellites are part of the Spacesail project, aiming to provide internet access in remote areas and compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink service. The success of this mission demonstrates China’s growing capabilities in commercial space technology.
Prof. Quentin Parker, director of the Laboratory for Space Research at the University of Hong Kong, highlighted the significance of the launch for China’s commercial space industry. He noted that the success of the mission positions Hainan as a key player in the future of commercial space flight in China. Parker also emphasized China’s ambition to compete with Starlink and Elon Musk in the global satellite market, showcasing the country’s progress in space technology and market competitiveness.
The full article has been posted on 13 March 2025: