Long March 6A | SatNet LEO Group 05
Long March 6A • Long March
📝 Mission Description
China's Long March 6A Launches SatNet LEO Group 05: Advancing a Massive Satellite Constellation
On July 27, 2025, China's space program marked another milestone with the successful launch of the Long March 6A rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. This mission, designated SatNet LEO Group 05, deployed a batch of five low Earth orbit (LEO) communication satellites into space, contributing to the ambitious SatNet constellation operated by the state-owned China Satellite Network Group. As China accelerates its efforts to build a global satellite network, this launch underscores the nation's growing prowess in space technology and its strategic push for enhanced connectivity.
The primary objective of the SatNet LEO Group 05 mission is to expand the SatNet constellation, which aims to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet and communication services worldwide. These five satellites, each weighing approximately 500 kilograms, are equipped with advanced phased-array antennas and laser inter-satellite links, enabling seamless data relay and coverage. The payload's capabilities focus on delivering broadband to remote areas, supporting IoT applications, and facilitating real-time communication for industries like maritime, aviation, and disaster response. Once fully operational, the SatNet constellation is projected to consist of around 13,000 satellites, rivaling global networks like SpaceX's Starlink. This batch represents a incremental step toward that goal, with the satellites orbiting at an altitude of about 1,000 kilometers to minimize signal delay and maximize global reach. The mission's design emphasizes redundancy and scalability, allowing for rapid constellation growth through frequent, cost-effective launches.
At the heart of this mission is the Long March 6A rocket, a modern addition to China's Long March family developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology. This two-stage launch vehicle stands about 50 meters tall and has a liftoff mass of around 530 metric tons. It features a liquid oxygen/kerosene first stage powered by four YF-100 engines, delivering a combined thrust of over 1,200 kilonewtons. Unique to the 6A variant are its four solid rocket boosters, which provide additional thrust during ascent, enabling a payload capacity of up to 4.5 metric tons to sun-synchronous orbit or 8 metric tons to low Earth orbit. The rocket's modular design incorporates reusable elements in its development philosophy, though full reusability remains a future aspiration. Technical specifications highlight its efficiency: the upper stage uses a storable propellant system
ℹ️ Official Details
A batch of 5 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 6A launch of SatNet LEO Group 05 on July 27, 2025, achieved a successful orbital insertion and payload deployment. The rocket performed flawlessly, demonstrating robust technical reliability during ascent and stage separation. All five Low Earth Orbit communication satellites, part of the expansive SatNet constellation operated by China Satellite Network Group, were precisely deployed into their target orbits, marking a significant step toward the planned 13,000-satellite network. Key engineering outcomes include validated propulsion and guidance systems, reinforcing confidence in the Long March 6A's design for high-frequency launches. This mission's success highlights China's growing capability in large-scale constellation deployment, paving the way for accelerated launches to meet ambitious SatNet goals. Future missions will likely build on this momentum, focusing on scalability and operational efficiency to support global communication infrastructure.