China Launches Qianfan-09 Polar Orbit Satellites on Long March 6 Modified Rocket
Summary: On May 12, 2026 at 19:59 Beijing Time (11:59 UTC), China successfully launched the Qianfan-09 polar orbit satellite group from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center using a Long March 6 Modified rocket. The satellites entered their planned orbits and the launch was declared a complete success. This marked the 642nd flight of the Long March rocket series.
According to China Media Group (CMG) reports, the Long March 6 Modified rocket ignited and sent the Qianfan-09 satellite constellation into their designated orbits. The satellites' solar panels deployed successfully and all systems are operating normally.
The Qianfan (Thousand Sails) satellite internet constellation is a key component of China's low-Earth-orbit (LEO) broadband constellation program, developed by the Shanghai Satellite Internet Research Institute. The Long March 6 Modified rocket, manufactured by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CASC) under the 8th research institute, is capable of launching multiple satellites in a single mission and serves as one of China's primary commercial launch vehicles.