China Sets New Record with Nine Satellite Sea Launch
Summary
China has set a new record by launching nine satellites at once from the sea using a Gravity-1 Y3 rocket. The mission also advanced plans for a low Earth orbit broadband internet network and highlighted OrionSpace’s growing launch capabilities.
Key Points
- China successfully launched nine satellites into orbit at once from a sea-based mobile launch center off the coast of Shanghai.
- The Gravity-1 Y3 rocket placed eight Cansat Constellation satellites and one EHT technology test satellite into orbit around 800 kilometers above Earth.
- The mission set Chinese records for the heaviest sea-launch payload and the highest orbital altitude, with more than 3 tons of usable payload.
- OrionSpace is also accelerating development of the larger Gravity-2 reusable liquid-fuel rocket, expected to carry up to 21.5 tons to low Earth orbit.
