China successfully launched the Long March-8 Y6 carrier rocket from the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site in the early hours of Wednesday, March 12, 2025, delivering 18 satellites into space.

According to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the satellites—part of the fifth batch of the “Space Cell” commercial internet constellation—entered their designated orbit successfully.

This mission marked the first launch from Launch Pad No. 1 at the site, demonstrating the readiness of both launch platforms at the Chinese commercial spaceport for future missions. The first launch from Pad No. 2 took place in November 2024.

This mission marks the 563rd flight in the Long March rocket family, which remains a cornerstone of China’s space transportation system. The launch is part of China’s broader efforts to strengthen its commercial space and technological capabilities.