What's happened
On November 30, 2024, China successfully launched the Long March 12 rocket from Hainan Island, deploying two technology test satellites. This marks a significant advancement in China's space capabilities, enhancing its ability to support broadband megaconstellations and future lunar missions.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Ars Technica, the Long March 12 rocket is designed to deploy small satellites for China's internet mega-constellations, aiming to rival SpaceX's Starlink. The South China Morning Post highlights the rocket's wider body, which allows for increased payload capacity and efficiency. The launch from Wenchang's commercial spaceport is seen as a significant step in China's commercial space ambitions, with plans for future reusable rocket designs. The successful test of the YF-100K engines is crucial for upcoming lunar missions, as noted by multiple sources, including Business Insider UK, which emphasizes the environmental concerns surrounding the rapid increase in satellite launches.
How we got here
The Long March 12 rocket is part of China's ongoing efforts to expand its space capabilities, particularly in deploying small satellites for broadband internet services. This launch follows the establishment of a new commercial spaceport in Wenchang, aimed at increasing launch frequency and reducing costs.
More on these topics
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
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Space Exploration Technologies Corp., trading as SpaceX, is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company headquartered in Hawthorne, California.