Gravity-1 sea launch off Shanghai puts 9 satellites into orbit
8 hours ago
- Orienspace launched its third Gravity-1 solid rocket from a ship off Shanghai, carrying nine satellites.
- The payloads included six Dongpo satellites for the Huantian constellation, with optical and SAR capabilities, plus three other satellites from various organizations.
- Orienspace plans to debut its reusable Gravity-2 liquid rocket in the fourth quarter of 2026.
- Other recent Chinese launches include the Haiyang-2E oceanography satellite (July 1) and two batches of Qianfan constellation satellites (July 4-5), bringing the total in orbit to 238.
- China has conducted 49 orbital launch attempts in 2026 (including three failures), with a record 100+ launches expected, surpassing the 2025 record of 92.
- The Chang'e-7 lunar south pole landing mission is set to launch on August 23, 2026, with the Long March 5 rocket already at Wenchang.