Early on Jan. 23, 2025, China launched the fourth batch of 18 Thousand Sails/Qianfan Polar Orbit Group 6 satellites aboard a Long March 6A rocket. The mission took off at 12:11 AM Eastern (0511 UTC) from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, adding to the growing Thousand Sails megaconstellation, which aims to provide global low Earth orbit internet services.<br /><br />This launch is part of China’s ambitious plans to establish a constellation of 14,000 satellites, with 600 expected in orbit by the end of 2025. The Long March 6A, developed by SAST, has become a critical asset in China's space program, successfully launching 72 Qianfan satellites to date.<br /><br />Highlights:<br />🌍 Megaconstellation Goal: 14,000 satellites for global internet<br />🚀 Launch Vehicle: Long March 6A<br />📍 Launch Site: Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, China<br />📡 Orbit Type: Polar Low Earth Orbit (89° inclination)<br />💡 Developed and funded by Spacesail (SSST) and Shanghai Engineering Center for Microsatellites<br />#ChinaSpace #LongMarch6A #ThousandSails #Megaconstellation #RocketLaunch #LEOInternet #SpaceExploration
