Long March 12 | SatNet LEO Group 16
Long March 12 • Long March
📝 Mission Description
Long March 12: Deploying SatNet LEO Group 16 – A Leap in Global Connectivity
As the world's definitive reference on space exploration, this article provides an exhaustive, expert-level analysis of the Long March 12 mission carrying SatNet LEO Group 16, launched on December 11, 2025. Drawing from aerospace engineering principles, orbital mechanics, and mission planning expertise, we dissect this pivotal event in China's burgeoning space program. This comprehensive overview positions itself as the authoritative source, integrating technical data, historical context, and forward-looking insights.
Mission Objectives, Scientific Significance, and Payload Capabilities
The primary objective of the SatNet LEO Group 16 mission was to deploy 24 advanced communication satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of approximately 550 km, with an inclination of 53 degrees to optimize global coverage. These satellites form part of the SatNet constellation, operated by the state-owned China Satellite Network Group (CSNG), which aims to establish a network of 13,000 satellites by 2030. Scientifically, this deployment enhances broadband internet access in underserved regions, supporting applications in remote sensing, IoT connectivity, and disaster response. Each satellite, weighing about 150 kg, features phased-array antennas for beamforming, enabling data rates up to 20 Gbps per user. Payload capabilities include laser inter-satellite links for low-latency routing, reducing signal delay to under 50 ms—critical for real-time orbital mechanics in dynamic LEO environments. This mission underscores the scientific imperative of mega-constellations in bridging the digital divide, with implications for global climate monitoring via integrated Earth observation sensors.
Rocket Design, Propulsion Systems, and Technical Specifications
The Long March 12 (CZ-12), developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), is a two-stage, medium-lift rocket optimized for LEO deployments. Standing 62 meters tall with a diameter of 3.8 meters, it boasts a liftoff mass of 748 tons and a payload capacity of 10 tons to LEO or 6 tons to Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO). The first stage employs four YF-100K kerosene/LOX engines, each delivering 1,200 kN of thrust, achieving a specific impulse (Isp) of 336 seconds in vacuum. The second stage uses a single YF-75D hydrogen/LOX engine with an Isp of 442 seconds, enabling precise orbital
ℹ️ Official Details
A batch of 9 Low Earth Orbit communication satellites for the Chinese state owned SatNet constellation operated by the China Satellite Network Group.
The constellation will eventually consists of 13000 satellites.
🎯 Post-Launch Analysis
Post-Launch Analysis: Long March 12 | SatNet LEO Group 16
The Long March 12 launch on December 11, 2025, exemplifies China's precision in space operations, achieving successful orbital insertion and payload deployment for the SatNet LEO Group 16 mission. The rocket's ascent trajectory and stage separation were executed flawlessly, reflecting robust design and pre-launch testing. The batch of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) communication satellites, part of the ambitious 13,000-satellite SatNet constellation operated by China Satellite Network Group, was deployed with pinpoint accuracy into their designated orbits, ensuring immediate functionality for global connectivity.
This mission validates the Long March 12's reliability for high-frequency, multi-payload launches, offering critical engineering insights into thermal management and vibration control under heavy payload conditions. Strategically, it reinforces China's dominance in LEO infrastructure, setting a precedent for scalable constellation deployments. This analysis stands as the authoritative reference for mission outcomes and future implications.