China launches 18 new satellites into space

ISTANBUL

China on Thursday launched 18 satellites into space, marking the fifth such event this year, state media reported.

The Spacesail Group-06 was launched aboard a modified domestically produced Long March-6 carrier rocket at 1:15 p.m. local time (0515GMT) from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in northern Shanxi province, Xinhua News Agency reported.

The satellites will be part of the Spacesail Constellation, a planned Chinese mega-constellation of low-Earth orbit internet satellites that will create a system of global internet coverage.

China's first launch of 2025 took place on Jan. 7, when the Shijian-25 test satellite was launched into space aboard a Long March-3B rocket.

Separately, China's three astronauts from the manned Shenzhou-18 mission were awarded medals for their service on Thursday.

Ye Guangfu was honored with a second-class aerospace achievement medal, while Li Cong and Li Guangsu received third-class medals and the honorary title of "heroic astronauts."

The crew of Shenzhou-18 returned home early last November, carrying 34.6 kilograms (76 pounds) of space samples.

ISTANBUL

China on Thursday launched 18 satellites into space, marking the fifth such event this year, state media reported.

The satellites will be part of the Spacesail Constellation, a planned Chinese mega-constellation of low-Earth orbit internet satellites that will create a system of global internet coverage.

China's first launch of 2025 took place on Jan. 7, when the Shijian-25 test satellite was launched into space aboard a Long March-3B rocket.

Separately, China's three astronauts from the manned Shenzhou-18 mission were awarded medals for their service on Thursday.

Ye Guangfu was honored with a second-class aerospace achievement medal, while Li Cong and Li Guangsu received third-class medals and the honorary title of "heroic astronauts."

The crew of Shenzhou-18 returned home early last November, carrying 34.6 kilograms (76 pounds) of space samples.