China Launches Zhuque-2E Rocket and Expands Qianfan Satellite Constellation
China's Zhuque-2E rocket successfully launched on May 13, deploying a 2,800 kg payload into orbit. This launch adds to the Qianfan megaconstellation, which has now successfully deployed 144 satellites.

On May 13, China conducted the Zhuque-2E rocket launch, successfully placing a 2,800 kg payload into a 900-kilometer polar orbit. This launch is part of Landspace's ongoing efforts to secure contracts for China's growing megaconstellation projects.
The Zhuque-2E, a refined version of the original Zhuque-2, has improved capabilities, including a higher payload capacity of 6,000 kg to low Earth orbit and 4,000 kg to a 500-km Sun-synchronous orbit. Concurrently, a Long March 6A rocket launched 18 satellites for the Qianfan constellation on May 12.
This successful mission brought the total number of Qianfan satellites in orbit to 144, indicating a significant expansion of China's satellite capabilities. The increasing frequency of launches suggests a competitive push in the global satellite and launch services market.




Comments