At 4:10 on April 29, 2025, the Satellite Internet Low Orbit Group 03 satellite was launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Site on the Long March 5B/Yuanzheng 2 upper stage. The satellite successfully entered the predetermined orbit, and the launch mission was a complete success.
This launch is the 12th launch of the “GW” constellation. At present, the “GW” constellation has completed 12 launches including test satellites, high-orbit satellites, and low-orbit network satellites. Among them, there were 6 test satellite launch missions, with a total of 14 satellites. The satellite development units involved the Fifth Academy of Aerospace Science and Technology, the Eighth Academy of Aerospace Science and Technology, Shanghai Micro, Galaxy Space, and Changguang Satellite; 3 high-orbit satellite launches, one satellite each time, and the satellites were all developed by the Aerospace Science and Technology Institute. The Fifth Institute of Aerospace Science and Technology took charge of the overall development; there were 3 satellite launches, all of which were developed by the Fifth Institute of Aerospace Science and Technology. Two launches were carried by the Long March 5B/Yuanzheng 2, with 10 satellites each time, a total of 20 satellites. One launch was carried by the Long March 8A, with 9 satellites each time.
From the perspective of work stations, the current launches of network satellites are all launched at the Wenchang Space Launch Site. Long March 5B is launched at the 101 station, and Long March 8A is launched at the 201 station. As Hainan Commercial Development develops capabilities, it will also become the main station for satellite launches in the “GW” constellation network. On February 1, 2024, the Long March 8 A core level 1 completed hoisting training at the Hainan Shangfa No. 1 station, and on February 2, the core level 2 completed the hoisting training at the Hainan Shangfa No. 1 station. On September 4, 2024, the Long March 8A combined training arrow completed the launch site training mission at the Hainan Shangfa No. 1 station. In the future, the Long March 8A can be launched not only from Station 201 of the Wenchang Space Launch Site, but also from Station 1 of Hainan Shangfa, which will greatly increase the frequency of launches.
From the perspective of rockets, let’s leave aside the rockets of private rocket companies. Everyone says that the main model can make its first flight before the end of the year. If it can really fly, the number of rockets will increase. From the current point of view, as long as the Long March 8A can take the lead, the frequency of rocket launches will definitely increase. At 17:30 on February 11, 2025, the Long March 8A was successfully launched carrying the Satellite Internet Low Orbit Group 02 satellite (a total of 9 satellites). This launch was also the first flight of the Long March 8A. As the Long March 8A launches gradually and stably, the frequency of launches will increase significantly in the future.
From the perspective of satellites, the Fifth Academy of Aerospace Science and Technology, the Eighth Academy of Aerospace Science and Technology, Shanghai Micro, Galaxy Aerospace, and Changguang Satellite have all launched test satellites, and the Fifth Academy has launched three batches of network satellites in a row. In addition, the Aerospace Science and Technology Group established a commercial satellite company, the commercial satellite company established a joint venture with Wenchang International Space City, and Wenchang International Space City built a satellite super factory. This series of events will directly accelerate the mass production of satellites.
