China Launches Long March-12B Rocket on Maiden Flight
China successfully launched the Long March-12B Y1 carrier rocket on Monday from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwest China, marking the debut mission of the new launch vehicle and another milestone in the country’s expanding commercial space programme.
The rocket lifted off at 16:40 Beijing Time (0840 GMT), carrying a group of networking satellites for the Qianfan Constellation. The satellites were successfully placed into their designated orbits, and the mission was declared a complete success.
The launch also represented the 647th flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series, one of the world’s most active families of launch vehicles.
Maiden Flight for New Commercial Rocket
The mission marked the first flight of the Long March-12B, a rocket developed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Commercial Rocket Co., Ltd., a subsidiary operating under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
The new vehicle has been designed to support the growing demand for commercial space missions, particularly those involving the deployment of large satellite constellations. Its successful debut provides China with an additional launch platform capable of supporting future space infrastructure projects.
Moreover, the rocket has been developed with reusability in mind, reflecting broader efforts within the global space industry to improve launch efficiency and reduce costs.
Built for Large-Scale Satellite Deployments
The Long March-12B is a single-core rocket with a four-metre-class diameter and is specifically tailored for major commercial missions. One of its primary roles will be supporting the deployment of China’s expanding internet satellite constellation network.
Its design allows it to accommodate a wide range of payload requirements and orbital destinations, making it a versatile addition to China’s launch fleet.
Furthermore, the vehicle’s capabilities are expected to support future communications, networking and space-based infrastructure projects as demand for satellite services continues to grow.
Advanced Propulsion and Heavy-Lift Capability
The rocket uses a two-stage configuration powered entirely by a liquid oxygen and kerosene propulsion system. This combination is widely used in modern launch vehicles because it provides strong performance while maintaining operational efficiency.
Standing approximately 72 metres tall and measuring 4.37 metres in diameter, the Long March-12B ranks among China’s larger commercial launch vehicles.
The rocket is capable of carrying no less than 20 tonnes of payload to low Earth orbit (LEO), giving it significant heavy-lift capability for commercial and government missions. In addition, its design allows it to adapt to various orbital requirements, increasing its flexibility for future launches.
Strengthening China’s Space Ambitions
The successful maiden flight demonstrates China’s continued investment in commercial space technology and launch infrastructure. As satellite constellation projects expand and demand for orbital services increases, vehicles such as the Long March-12B are expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting the country’s long-term space objectives.
The launch also highlights China’s efforts to develop reusable rocket technology and enhance its capacity to conduct large-scale satellite deployment missions.
With inputs from Reuters
