The SatNet LEO constellation is part of China's GuoWang satellite initiative, which aims to build a global broadband internet network. Managed by China SatNet, the project plans to deploy 12,992 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, positioning it as a competitor to systems like SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon's Project Kuiper.

Each launch adds to the growing constellation, demonstrating key technologies such as laser-based inter-satellite communication and high-throughput broadband services. These advancements are critical for minimizing dependence on ground stations and expanding connectivity, supporting China's broader Belt and Road initiative by bringing internet access to more regions worldwide.

Despite facing challenges like limited launch capacity, intense competition, and the need for significant investment, the GuoWang project has strong government backing. With continued support and accelerated deployment, China aims to quickly close the gap with established players and secure a leading role in the global satellite internet market.

The Long March 5 (LM-5) launch vehicle is a heavy-lift, cryogenic liquid rocket developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). Designed with principles of generalization, serialization, and modularization, the LM-5 family uses non-toxic, environmentally friendly propellants such as liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen, and kerosene. Its modular architecture reduces launch costs, improves reliability, and offers strong adaptability and competitiveness in the global space launch market.

Specs

Height: 53.7 meters (176 feet)

Core Diameter: 5 meters (16.4 feet)

Booster Diameter: 3.35 meters (11 feet) each (four boosters)

Liftoff Mass: Approximately 849 metric tons

Payload Capacity to LEO: Up to 25 metric tons

Propellants
Core Stage: Liquid hydrogen (LH₂) and liquid oxygen (LOX)
Boosters: Kerosene (RP-1) and liquid oxygen (LOX)

The Long March 5B (LM-5B) is a variant optimized specifically for delivering heavy payloads to low Earth orbit (LEO). Unlike the standard Long March 5, the 5B version does not include a second stage, making it ideal for missions such as launching space station modules and large satellites into LEO.

The Long March 5 series offers payload capabilities of up to 25 tons to LEO (for the 5B variant) and up to 14 tons to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) with the standard Long March 5 configuration. It is capable of launching a wide variety of spacecraft, including LEO, GTO, and sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) satellites, as well as modules for space stations and lunar exploration probes.

The Wenchang Space Launch Site located in Wenchang, Hainan, China, is a rocket launch site, one of the two spacecraft launch sites of Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

It is a former suborbital test center. It is China's fourth and southernmost space vehicle launch facility (spaceport). It has been specially selected for its low latitude, which is only 19° north of the equator, which will allow for an increase in payload necessary for launching China's future space station. It is capable of launching the Long March 5, currently the most powerful Chinese rocket.