A Long March 6A rocket lifts off from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in northern China, producing a bright plume of exhaust against a clear sky, with four lightning towers surrounding the launch pad.
A Long March 6A rocket lifts off from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in northern China, carrying 18 satellites for the Qianfan/Thousand Sails constellation, Oct. 17, 2025. Credit: CASC

HELSINKI — China conducted the first launch for the Thousand Sails constellation since March as the country continues its recent rapid rate of orbital launches.

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Andrew Jones writes about China's space industry, including civilian programs, space science and exploration, policy, and commercial developments for SpaceNews, and writes the China Report newsletter. He has additional bylines in Scientific American,...