China launches SatNet LEO Group 27 on a Long March 12
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation flew a launch of low-orbit communication satellites from the Hainan commercial spaceport; the payload was SatNet LEO Group 27, and the number of satellites was not officially disclosed.
According to sorae, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) launched a Long March 12 at 4:27 Japan time on 10 October 2026 from the Hainan Commercial Spacecraft Launch Site in Hainan Province, placing SatNet LEO Group 27 into its planned orbit.
The payload, SatNet LEO Group 27, is part of China's low-orbit satellite internet programme. Overseas launch-tracking sites consider the group to serve China Satellite Network Group's Guowang constellation and say nine satellites were on board, but Chinese officials have not published the exact number.
The Long March 12 is a two-stage liquid rocket using liquid oxygen and kerosene, about 62 metres long, and is China's first rocket with a single 4-metre-class core stage. It can carry more than 6 tonnes to a 700 km sun-synchronous orbit and can use a 4.2-metre or 5.2-metre fairing depending on the mission.
The launch service was provided by China Commercial Rocket Co., a CASC subsidiary, as prime contractor. The mission was the 671st launch of the Long March family.
Our take: the launch shows China's LEO communication constellation deployment continuing, but with the satellite count undisclosed, transparency is limited.