China Successfully Launches 19th Group of Internet Satellites Aboard Long March-12 Rocket

China Expands Satellite Internet Constellation

China successfully launched a Long March-12 carrier rocket from the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Site in Wenchang on January 19, 2026, at 3:48 p.m. local time. The mission successfully sent a group of low-orbit internet satellites into their preset orbit, marking a significant step in the development of China's national space-based internet network.

The Long March-12 Carrier Rocket

The Long March-12 is a medium-lift launch vehicle developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology. Standing approximately 62 meters tall with a diameter of 3.8 meters, it features a two-stage design and is notable as the first Chinese rocket with this diameter. It is capable of placing at least 12 tonnes of payload into low Earth orbit and 6 tonnes into a 700 km Sun-synchronous orbit. The rocket's maiden flight occurred on November 30, 2024.

Advancing China's Satellite Internet Ambitions

The satellites launched are the 19th group of low-orbit internet satellites and were developed by GalaxySpace, a commercial firm based in Beijing. This launch is part of China's broader effort to establish a robust national satellite internet constellation, often referred to as 'Guowang' (national network). The Guowang project aims to deploy a total of 12,992 satellites to provide worldwide internet coverage, positioning China as a major competitor in the global satellite internet sector, similar to SpaceX's Starlink. This mission also marks the second launch of low-orbit satellites for China's internet satellite constellation in 2026, following an 18th group launched six days prior from the same site.

Launch Site and Debris Advisory

The launch took place from the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan, a coastal spaceport selected for its low latitude which allows for larger payloads. Following the launch, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) issued a debris warning, indicating that expected unburned debris from the rocket was projected to fall within Philippine archipelagic waters. The identified drop zones were approximately 22 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and 14 nautical miles from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. PhilSA advised the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted and cautioned against contact due to potential toxic substances.