China's space program is demonstrating impressive momentum, highlighted by a series of recent satellite launches. Early Thursday, December 19th, Galactic Energy successfully conducted its fourth sea launch, deploying four Tianqi satellites aboard a Ceres-1 rocket from a platform off the coast of Shandong province. The launch, streamed live, confirmed the successful insertion of Tianqi satellites numbered 33-36 into 850-kilometer orbits, contributing to the growing Tianqi low-Earth orbit constellation.
This marked the 16th launch of the Ceres-1, with 15 prior successes, and the third time a Ceres-1 launched four Tianqi satellites. Galactic Energy also anticipates the 2025 debut of its Pallas-1 rocket, boasting an 8,000 kg payload capacity to a 200-kilometer LEO, demonstrating a commitment to future advancements in launch capabilities. "The satellites were sent into 850-kilometer-altitude orbits with an inclination of 45°," confirmed Galactic Energy.
Just days prior, on December 16th, a Long March 2D rocket launched four Piesat-2 SAR satellites from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. Ourspace, a Chinese space outreach channel, reported the mission's complete success, noting the satellites' successful entry into predetermined orbits. GalaxySpace, the manufacturer, emphasized the satellites' advanced features, including SAR payloads and intelligent processing systems. The U.S. cataloged these satellites in orbits inclined by 97.5 degrees.
These launches brought China's 2024 orbital launch attempts to 65 and 66, exceeding 260 spacecraft. This builds upon the national record of 67 launches in 2023, sending 221 spacecraft into orbit. These included launches of Guowang and Qianfan satellites. With a Long March 3B launch anticipated and further missions planned, China is poised to surpass its previous launch record. A fourth batch of Qianfan satellites is slated for launch on a Long March 8 rocket around December 22nd, further expanding the Qianfan megaconstellation.
The significant increase in both launches and satellites deployed points to China's ambitious plans for the Qianfan and Guowang megaconstellations. The coming year promises an even greater surge in activity, solidifying China's growing role in the global space landscape.