Qianfan Constellation Launches Intensive Networking Missions from Late July to August, Targeting 324 Satellites in Orbit
Summary: As of July 30, 2026, the Qianfan constellation has 238 satellites in orbit, with the first round of networking launches (18-20 satellites per rocket) scheduled from July 30 to August 3, targeting a total of 324 satellites in orbit.
According to information released on the Xueqiu platform, the Qianfan constellation, China's low-Earth orbit broadband communication satellite network, has initiated an intensive launch campaign as of July 30, 2026. By this date, the constellation had already achieved a total of 238 satellites in orbit.
The intensive launch window is scheduled from July 30 to August 3, during which the first round of networking missions will be conducted. Reports indicate that the launches will utilize a "rideshare" approach, with each rocket carrying between 18 and 20 satellites. The primary objective of this launch round is to increase the total number of operational satellites in orbit to 324, thereby significantly enhancing the constellation's global coverage and service capabilities.
This series of rapid launches marks a new acceleration phase for the Qianfan constellation's deployment. The swift expansion from 238 to 324 satellites will greatly boost the network's capacity and coverage density, laying a more solid infrastructure foundation for subsequent commercial applications and global services. The final deployment scale and specific application prospects of the constellation are expected to be further detailed by its operator.