China successfully launched a new contingent of low-orbit internet satellites Saturday, marking a significant milestone in its aerospace program with the debut use of a more environmentally friendly, coal-based rocket fuel in the Long March-8A carrier rocket. The launch occurred on December 6, 2025, at 3:53 p.m. local time from the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in Wenchang, Hainan Province, successfully deploying the 14th set of payloads into their designated orbit, underscoring Beijing’s push for sustainable and high-frequency space operations.
The mission, which represents the fifth flight for the Long March-8A variant and the 612th overall flight for the entire Long March rocket series, signals a strategic pivot in China’s choice of propellants. Developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALVT), the 165-foot (50.5-meter) Long March-8A, capable of carrying a 7-ton payload to a 435-mile (700-km) sun-synchronous orbit, made its maiden flight earlier in 2025 and has quickly moved into a high-tempo launch rotation.
Shifting to Sustainable Rocket Propellant
The key technological advancement in this mission was the first-ever substitution of the Long March-8 series’ standard petroleum-based kerosene with a coal-based rocket kerosene. This transition is driven by both environmental and economic considerations.
Experts cite several benefits to the new fuel source. Coal-based kerosene is considered more cost-effective to produce than its traditional petroleum counterpart and boasts easier storage and transportation capabilities. Crucially, the alternative fuel maintains performance standards comparable to petroleum-based kerosene, ensuring the stability and reliability critical for launch missions.
This shift establishes a “green power” foundation, enabling subsequent high-frequency launches intended to expand China’s burgeoning low-orbit internet constellation. The ability to source propellant domestically from widely available materials also bolsters the long-term sustainability and resilience of China’s commercial space launch capabilities.
Expanding the Low-Orbit Constellation
The primary objective of Saturday’s mission was the deployment of the 14th group of low-orbit internet satellites. These satellites are essential components of China’s larger strategy to build a robust domestic space-based network, aimed at providing high-speed internet access across the country and globally. Establishing this constellation is crucial for future data transmission, remote sensing, and strategic communications infrastructure.
The successful placement of these satellites into their preset orbit affirms the reliability of the Long March-8A in handling complex commercial payloads. The high-density launch schedule adopted by the rocket series validates China’s commitment to rapidly deploying its space assets to compete in the growing global market for satellite internet services.
Looking ahead, this transition to a more efficient and environmentally conscious propellant is likely to become standard for future iterations of the Long March family. The move positions China to aggressively pursue its ambitious space goals while addressing increasing domestic and international demands for greener industrial practices, setting a potential template for other global space powers exploring alternative fuels for commercial and exploration missions.