Shanghai: China has successfully launched nine satellites into their designated orbits from waters off the coast of Shanghai. The launch represents a significant technological advancement as it marked the world’s first mobile sea-based launch of a low-Earth orbit satellite constellation aimed at deploying a broadband internet network.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Gravity-1 Y3 launch vehicle successfully delivered eight satellites from the Qianfan constellation, a project dedicated to deploying a global low-Earth orbit satellite system to provide high-speed internet access. Additionally, one Enhanced Ultra High Throughput (EUHT) technology test satellite was also delivered into its intended orbit. The flight set two new Chinese records for a single sea-based launch: the payload mass exceeded 3 tonnes, and the injection altitude reached 800 kilometres, confirming that the sea-based launch method is fully suitable for medium- and large-sized satellite payloads.
Gravity-1 is a solid-fuelled rocket with a maximum payload capacity of 6.5 tonnes to low Earth orbit. This recent mission marked its second mobile launch from the Far East, occurring just 56 days after the previous mission. The rocket has once again demonstrated its capability to operate in maritime conditions characterized by high temperatures, humidity, and salt fog. This launch was the first dedicated entirely to a mega-constellation of low-Earth-orbit internet satellites.
The development of the Gravity-2, a large reusable liquid-fuelled rocket, is also progressing. It is expected to provide a payload capacity of 21.5 tonnes to low Earth orbit and is anticipated to make its debut in the near future.