Object E

Description

Object E is the fifth of a group of nine Guowang communication satellites that comprise SatNet LEO Group 22. They flew in a southeasterly direction and into LEO to join the Guowang (“National Network”) Internet Communication Megaconstellation. This Chinese state-owned network is also referred to as Hulianwang or Xingwang and it is operated by the China Satellite Network Group. The constellation is an alternative to the Qianfan, or ‘G60’ megaconstellation which will grow to a similar size and has been launching since the summer of 2024.

Their mission is to create a system of worldwide internet coverage and the constellation is expected to expand rapidly in the coming months. Should launches continue at this rate, the constellation will likely fulfill its goal of deploying about 13,000 satellites into orbit and becoming a reliable internet provider for the Chinese people.

Guowang satellites are understood to target a higher altitude than Starlink and Kuiper satellites at around 1,100 km, and lower than OneWeb’s constellation which orbits at around 1,200 km. A number of test satellites for the constellation have been launched from various launch sites, dating back to July 2023. These have been carried aboard Chang Zheng 2D and 2C vehicles, as well as a Jielong 3.

The rocket used for this mission, Long March 12 (also called CZ-12), is a two-stage medium-lift launch vehicle that stands 62 m tall and 3.8 m in diameter. Debuting in November 2024, the first stage features four YF-100K engines, and the second stage features two YF-115 engines. Both stages utilize RP-1 and LOX propellants. The rocket is capable of lofting 12,000 kg to a 200 km low-Earth orbit (LEO) and 6,000 kg to a 700 km Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO).

This was Long March 12’s 6th mission and the 142nd orbital launch attempt of 2026.