LandSpace ZQ-2E Y6 launches two Qianfan and China Mobile satellites on single rocket
Summary: At 16:23 Beijing time on June 9, 2026, LandSpace's Zhuque-2 improved Y6 launch vehicle (ZQ-2E Y6) lifted off from the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Test Zone. The rocket successfully deployed the Qianfan DTC 01 and China Mobile 02 satellites into their planned orbits in a single launch, marking the eighth flight of the Zhuque-2 family and the second improved-model launch within 27 days.
Mission overview
Both satellites are designed for low-Earth-orbit communications and direct-to-cell technology verification. The Qianfan DTC 01 satellite is operated by Shanghai Yuanxin Satellite Technology and is part of China's "Thousand Sails" (Qianfan) constellation. The China Mobile 02 satellite, owned by China Mobile Communications Group, will conduct trials in broadband direct-to-cell service and integrated space-ground networking. Their successful orbital insertion signals a new phase in the construction of China's low-Earth-orbit broadband internet constellation.
The Zhuque-2 improved variant uses liquid oxygen and methane propellants and is the first Chinese methane-fueled rocket to achieve consecutive successful launches. This mission was LandSpace's third launch in the first half of 2026 and the second successful flight of the improved variant in less than a month, suggesting the vehicle is moving toward a higher launch cadence.
Qianfan constellation progress
The Qianfan constellation is a low-Earth-orbit broadband satellite internet system China is building, with plans to deploy thousands of satellites to provide global broadband coverage. Previously, Qianfan satellites were launched mainly by Long March rockets. This mission is the first time a private commercial rocket has carried Qianfan constellation satellites, showing that China's commercial space sector is taking on a larger role in constellation deployment.