At 19:59 on May 12, 2026, the Long March 6A carrier rocket successfully lifted off from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, accurately delivering the Qianfan Polar Orbit 09 satellites into their preset orbits. The launch mission was a complete success.
Developed by the Eighth Academy, the Long March 6A is a new-generation medium-lift carrier rocket featuring a solid-liquid strap-on configuration. It is capable of meeting diverse and high-density launch requirements, including single-satellite missions, as well as multi-satellite launches in series, parallel, stacked, side-mounted, and piggyback configurations. Its sun-synchronous orbit payload capacity is no less than 6.5 tons (at an altitude of 500 kilometers).
Currently, the Long March 6A has entered a phase of high-density launches. The mission team has consistently demonstrated a spirit of relentless perseverance and the ability to overcome difficulties, maintaining a high-spirited and determined attitude. They have adhered strictly to schedules and quality standards, advancing all work efficiently and in an orderly manner.
Throughout this mission, the team upheld a work ethic of rigor, prudence, meticulousness, and pragmatism. They conducted regular "look-back" reviews, status re-verification, and risk assessments, while exercising strict control over critical operations, error-prone procedures, and mandatory inspection points. In response to seasonal weather conditions and personnel rotations during holidays, the team further optimized contingency plans, strengthened technical briefings, and emphasized knowledge transfer from experienced to newer staff through thorough shift handovers. Test procedures and operating protocols were continuously refined. Through these rigorous practices and pragmatic measures, a comprehensive quality and safety assurance system was established, ensuring the complete success of the mission.
This launch marks the 23rd flight of the Long March 6A, the 266th launch of Long March series rockets developed by the Eighth Academy, and the 642nd launch of China's Long March family of carrier rockets.