Object F

Description

Object F is the sixth of a group of nine Guowang communication satellites that comprise SatNet LEO Group 23. 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 body for this mission, the CZ-8A (Long March 8A), consists of two 3.35 m diameter stages, reaching a total height of 50.54 m, and builds upon the CZ-8 by introducing a higher-performance upper stage and improved payload capability. The first stage is assisted by two strap-on liquid-fuelled K2 boosters.

This was Long March 8A’s 10th mission and the 182nd orbital launch attempt of 2026.