Long March 12 | SatNet LEO Group 19
Long March 12 • Long March
📝 Mission Description
China's Long March 12 Prepares for 2026 Mission with Mysterious Payload
On January 19, 2026, China's space program is set to mark another milestone with the launch of the Long March 12 rocket from an undisclosed site, carrying an unknown payload. While mission specifics remain classified—listed simply as "Details TBD"—this event underscores Beijing's accelerating pace in orbital operations. Analysts speculate the payload could involve satellite deployments for communications, Earth observation, or experimental technologies, aligning with China's broader ambitions in space.
The mission's objectives likely focus on enhancing China's satellite constellation capabilities, potentially supporting initiatives like the BeiDou navigation system or remote sensing networks. The Long March 12's payload capabilities are robust, designed to handle up to 10 metric tons to low Earth orbit (LEO) and around 6 tons to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). This versatility makes it ideal for deploying multiple satellites in a single launch or accommodating larger, more complex payloads. Given the "unknown" designation, the mission might test advanced payloads such as high-resolution imaging systems or even prototypes for space-based infrastructure, contributing to China's goal of self-reliance in space technology amid global supply chain tensions.
At the heart of this launch is the Long March 12 itself, a next-generation expendable rocket developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT). Standing approximately 62 meters tall with a diameter of 3.8 meters, it features a two-stage configuration powered by liquid oxygen and kerosene propellants. The first stage employs four YF-100K engines, each delivering about 1,200 kN of thrust, while the second stage uses a pair of these engines for orbital insertion. This design draws from proven elements of the Long March 7 and 8 series but incorporates enhancements for greater efficiency and reduced launch costs, estimated at around $30 million per flight. Notably, the rocket's grid fins and potential for future reusability hint at China's efforts to close the gap with reusable systems like SpaceX's Falcon 9.
The Long March 12's performance history, though brief, is promising. Its maiden flight in late 2024 successfully orbited a cluster of experimental satellites, demonstrating reliable ascent and payload separation. Subsequent launches in 2025 have built on this, with a reported success rate exceeding 95% across the Long March family. However, challenges such as occasional delays due to weather or technical glitches have been noted, reflecting the complexities of scaling up production in a
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
The Long March 12 mission on January 19, 2026, achieved a successful orbital insertion and payload deployment for SatNet LEO Group 19. The rocket performed flawlessly, demonstrating robust technical reliability during ascent and stage separation. All nine Low Earth Orbit communication satellites, part of the Chinese state-owned SatNet constellation managed by China Satellite Network Group, were deployed into their target orbits with precision, contributing to the ambitious goal of a 13,000-satellite network. Key engineering outcomes include validated performance of the Long March 12’s propulsion and guidance systems, reinforcing confidence in its design for high-frequency launches. This success underscores China’s growing capability in large-scale constellation deployments and sets a strong foundation for future missions. It also highlights the scalability of the SatNet project, paving the way for enhanced global communication coverage and potential challenges in orbital traffic management as the constellation expands.