Tag: China
-
Launch Preview: Vulcan launches USSF-87, SpaceX sends Crew-12 to ISS
The launch manifest is full this week, with eight launches scheduled from different launch sites worldwide. The week kicked off with a SpaceX Starlink mission on Wednesday, followed by a busy Thursday, during which five different rockets — including a Vulcan, a Proton, and the first Ariane 64 — launched. SpaceX and NASA are launching…
-
Despite initial setbacks, Chinese spaceflight expected to see exciting 2026
The new year has not started well for China, with two failures among its first six launches. Even so, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year, with numerous new launch vehicles — including several reusable designs — expected to debut, and a realistic prospect of the country’s first propulsive landing of an orbital-class…
-
China Launches Remote-Sensing Satellite for Algeria on Long March Rocket
China has successfully launched a remote-sensing satellite for Algeria, placing the Chinese-built AlSat-3B spacecraft into orbit aboard a Long March 2C carrier rocket, Chinese state media and industry officials said. The launch took place from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre, with the rocket deploying AlSat-3B into its planned orbit shortly after liftoff. The satellite was…
-
China Eyes Space-Based AI Data Centres, Setting Up Rivalry With SpaceX
China plans to deploy space-based artificial intelligence data centres within the next five years, state media reported, as Beijing steps up efforts to combine space technology and advanced computing in a move that could directly challenge initiatives outlined by SpaceX. China’s main space contractor, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), said it will work…
-
China Space Contractor Targets Space Tourism Within Five Years, State Media Say
China’s main space contractor has pledged to develop space tourism within the next five years, state media reported on Thursday, underscoring Beijing’s efforts to accelerate commercial spaceflight and deepen its technological competition with the United States. State-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) said it aims to “achieve the flight operation of suborbital space…
-
Launch Roundup: GPS, Starlink, Electron launches scheduled for last week of January
The last week of January has a busy slate of orbital launches, with flights from Florida, California, New Zealand, and possibly China on the schedule. SpaceX plans to close out the month with the GPS III SV09 mission, along with up to three Starlink launches, while Rocket Lab’s “Bridging the Swarm” mission is being prepared…
-
China Completes First Emergency Operation in Human Spaceflight Program After Shenzhou 20 Return
China has concluded the first emergency operation in the history of its human spaceflight program after an uncrewed Shenzhou 20 return capsule landed safely in north China’s Inner Mongolia, authorities said on Monday. The capsule parachuted into the Dongfeng landing site on Jan. 19 after spending about 270 days in orbit, where it had remained…
-
Launch Preview: Falcon 9 set to launch two missions from California, Isar to attempt second launch of Spectrum
The upcoming week will see seven rocket launches from six different launch sites across the globe. SpaceX has two Falcon 9 launches scheduled this week; both are Starlink missions launching from SpaceX’s California launch site. Blue Origin is also expected to fly New Shepard’s 17th crewed mission on Thursday. Internationally, China will launch two missions, while…
-
China Launches Algeria Earth-Observation Satellite From Jiuquan
Galactic Energy carried out the first private space mission in China in 2026 on Friday, successfully launching its Ceres-1 carrier rocket from a sea-based platform and placing four commercial satellites into orbit, the company said. The solid-fuel rocket lifted off at 4:10 a.m. from a mobile launch platform in the Yellow Sea, off China’s eastern…
-
China’s Reusable Long March-12B Rocket Completes Static Firing Test
China’s reusable Long March-12B rocket has successfully completed a static firing test, marking a key milestone ahead of its planned flight missions, its developer said on Friday. The test was conducted at the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwest China and involved a full-duration engine firing while the rocket remained anchored to the…