THE LAUNCH PAD
NETWORK
On August 6, 2024, China marked a significant milestone in its space ambitions with the successful launch of the first batch of 18 satellites for the Thousand Sails low Earth orbit (LEO) communications megaconstellation. However, the achievement has also raised concerns, as the launch resulted in a debris field along the orbit, potentially threatening other spacecraft.
The mission, originally slated for 2025, has been rescheduled to launch in 2027. This change comes with a new target: the asteroid 2015 XF261.
China is preparing for the inaugural launch of its ambitious G60 Starlink megaconstellation, a project aiming to deploy over 12,000 satellites into low Earth orbit.
China has rolled out its next Long March 5 rocket, which is set to launch China’s first attempt at collecting lunar samples from the far side of the moon.
Nicaragua has officially joined the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) program spearheaded by China. This move comes as China intensifies its efforts to garner support and collaboration for its ambitious lunar exploration endeavors.
China has taken a significant step in its military restructuring which is set to have far-reaching implications for the command structure of its space forces.
China has released photos by the crew of Shenzhou 16, who captured unprecedented images as they departed the station, before returning to Earth.
China’s secretive reusable spaceplane has completed its second mission, successfully landing on May 8th after spending 276 days in orbit.
China is planning to expand its Tiangong Space Station to enhance its capabilities and allow more visiting vehicles.
The Next Great Space Race is well underway, China has unveiled the design for their first lunar lander and the goal of sending astronauts to the moon by the close of the decade.
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