China launches new batch of low Earth orbit satellites

China successfully launched a new group of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites on July 27 from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi Province, bolstering its growing internet satellite constellation.

The launch took place at 6:03 p.m. Beijing time, with the satellite group — the fifth batch in the series — carried into orbit aboard a modified Long March-6 rocket. Officials confirmed that the satellites entered their preset orbit as planned, Caliber.Az reports per Chinese media. 

This mission marks the 585th flight of the Long March series of carrier rockets, a cornerstone of China’s rapidly advancing space program. The internet constellation aims to provide global connectivity and data services from space.

By Sabina Mammadli