China successfully deploys 10 satellites in private rocket mission PHOTO

China has successfully launched a Zhuque-2E Y7 carrier rocket from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwest China, deploying 10 networking satellites for a mega-constellation.

The rocket lifted off at 2:26 p.m. Beijing Time and placed the satellites into their preset orbits. The flight test mission was declared a complete success, Xinhua reports.

The mission marked the first large-scale deployment of satellites for a satellite internet mega-constellation by a Chinese private commercial rocket, demonstrating the vehicle’s ability to carry out complex multi-satellite missions.

Developed by Chinese private space company LandSpace, the Zhuque-2E is a two-stage cryogenic liquid-fuel launch vehicle with an extended body, powered by liquid oxygen and methane propellants. It incorporates key technologies shared with the Zhuque-3 reusable launch vehicle, including common first- and second-stage engines and pneumatic push-rod stage separation.

"Technology sharing reduces costs and accelerates iterative improvements by allowing cross-model validation," LandSpace said. "The company will continue to enhance its stable and efficient space access capabilities to provide crucial launch capacity for China's satellite internet."

By Vafa Guliyeva