Ready for a new era of global connectivity? On Tuesday at 3:08 a.m. local time, a Long March-8A rocket lifted off from Hainan, an island province off the southern coast of the Chinese mainland, sending the 10th group of internet constellation satellites into low Earth orbit.
Developed by the Chinese Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, the 50.5-meter rocket can haul 7 tonnes to a sun-synchronous orbit 700 km above Earth. This milestone brings the constellation closer to its goal of powering faster, more reliable internet across remote and dense urban areas alike.
For young entrepreneurs, digital nomads and communities across G20 nations, this launch signals a leap forward in bridging the digital divide. Data from similar networks point to a 30 percent boost in rural connectivity rates, opening doors for e-commerce hubs, telemedicine and immersive AR experiences on the move.
As the space race shifts toward global services, the new satellites join an expanding fleet that’s reshaping how we work, learn and connect—from Silicon Valley startups to innovators in Nairobi and São Paulo. With this tenth launch, China’s constellation inches closer to offering continuous coverage and low-latency links worldwide.
What’s next? Watch for upcoming ground stations in Africa and South America, where operators are gearing up to tap into this orbiting network. The era of space-based internet is no longer science fiction, but a real-world platform fueling the next wave of global innovation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
