CAS Space Lijian-1 rocket launches nine satellites, orders booked through 2027
On September 20, 2026, CAS Space launched its Lijian-1 Y18 rocket from the Dongfeng Commercial Aerospace Innovation Test Zone, deploying nine satellites including the AI-equipped "Super Computing No. 1." The company reports an annual production capacity of 30 rockets, a launch cycle under 10 days, and a backlog of orders extending to the second half of 2027. The Lijian series has now delivered 121 satellites with a total payload mass exceeding 21 tons.
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Chinese Commercial Rocket Maker Zhongke Yuhang Faces Busy Production Cycle Through 2027
Chinese commercial rocket company Zhongke Yuhang is experiencing a surge in demand, with an annual production capacity of 30 rockets, a launch preparation cycle compressed to under 10 days, and a backlog of orders extending to the second half of 2027. On September 20, the company's Kinetica-1 rocket launched nine satellites for various clients, including the first dedicated AI computing satellite. The article details the company's production strategies, including modular design and pulsating assembly lines, and highlights the broader boom in China's commercial space sector. Analyst Fu Yifu attributes the growth to policy support, technological iteration, market demand, and industrial collaboration. The article notes that China conducted 92 space launches in 2025, with commercial launches accounting for 54%. Major satellite constellation projects like GW, Qianfan, and Honghu-3 are driving demand, with strict ITU deployment timelines accelerating launch schedules. Capital is also flowing into the sector, with companies like LandSpace, Zhongke Yuhang, and iSpace pursuing significant funding rounds and IPOs.
Read sourceChinese Commercial Rocket Maker Zhongke Yuhang Faces Busy Schedule With Orders Through 2027
Chinese commercial rocket company Zhongke Yuhang is experiencing unprecedented demand, with an annual production capacity of 30 rockets, a launch preparation cycle compressed to under 10 days, and orders booked through the second half of 2027. On September 20, 2025, its Lijian-1 rocket launched nine satellites, including the first to feature in-orbit AI processing that reduces disaster response data delivery from hours to minutes. Deputy commander Meng Xiangfu stated the company uses a pulsating assembly line in Guangzhou and dedicated launch pads to boost efficiency. Analyst Fu Yifu from Suning Bank attributed the sector's growth to policy support, technology iteration, diversified demand, and capital investment. China conducted 92 space launches in 2025, 50 of which were commercial. Major constellations like GW (12,992 satellites) and Qianfan (over 15,000) face ITU deployment deadlines that accelerate launch schedules. Capital is flowing heavily into the sector, with Blue Arrow Aerospace seeking 7.5 billion yuan in its IPO and Zhongke Yuhang aiming for 4.18 billion yuan.
Read sourceChinese Commercial Rocket Maker Zhongke Yuhang Faces Busy Schedule, Orders Through 2027
Chinese commercial rocket company Zhongke Yuhang is experiencing a surge in demand, with annual production capacity of 30 rockets, a launch preparation cycle compressed to under 10 days, and orders booked through the second half of 2027. On September 20, its Lijian-1 rocket launched nine satellites, including the first to feature on-orbit AI computing for rapid image analysis. The company plans its first sea launch soon. The article, citing industry reports and company officials, attributes the boom to policy support, technology iteration, and demand from satellite constellation projects like GW (12,992 satellites) and Qianfan (over 15,000 satellites). Capital is flowing into the sector, with Zhongke Yuhang seeking to raise 4.18 billion yuan via IPO. Analyst Fu Yifu from Sushang Bank notes a virtuous cycle of policy, technology, market demand, and industrial collaboration driving sustainable growth. The article highlights challenges in multi-satellite integration and supply chain scaling.
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CAS Space Launches 9 Satellites on Lijian-1 Rocket, Named 'Super Computing No. 1'
On September 20, CAS Space successfully launched the Lijian-1 Yao-18 carrier rocket, named 'Super Computing No. 1', carrying nine satellites from Dongfeng Commercial Aerospace. Deputy Commander-in-Chief Meng Xiangfu stated the Lijian series has sent 121 satellites into space with a total payload mass exceeding 21 tons. The rocket has ample backlog orders with launch schedules planned through the second half of 2027. This mission featured exclusive naming rights by Super Computing, integrating AI computing power across the satellite-rocket system. The main payloads include a 4-meter visible-light camera and an AI computer, intended to empower emergency disaster relief and environmental protection. CAS Space plans to conduct its first sea launch mission off Guangdong Province, supported by a provincial action plan for commercial aerospace development. The company aims to establish an integrated commercial delivery system with guaranteed production capacity and global fulfillment capability.
Read sourceChina's Kinetica 1 Rocket Successfully Launches 9 Satellites in Single Mission
On September 20, the Kinetica 1 (Lijian-1) Y18 carrier rocket, named 'Super Intelligent Computing', was successfully launched from the Dongfeng Commercial Aerospace Spaceport in China. The mission, conducted by CAS Space (Zhongke Yuhang), utilized a multi-satellite launch mode to accelerate the construction of small satellite constellations. The company stated that this mode imposes strict standards on payload interface compatibility and multi-satellite separation timing. To date, the Kinetica series has sent 1 spacecraft and 121 satellites into orbit, with a total payload mass exceeding 21 tons. CAS Space reported a sufficient order backlog and sustained market demand, with launch missions scheduled through the second half of 2027. Deputy Commander-in-Chief Meng Xiangfu told reporters that the rocket's annual production capacity has reached 30 units, supporting high-density launches. The company has also reduced the launch site test and launch cycle to 10 days, improving turnaround efficiency.
Read sourceCAS Space's Lijian-1 Yao-18 Rocket Successfully Launches Nine Satellites
On September 20, CAS Space announced that its Lijian-1 Yao-18 carrier rocket, named 'Super Intelligent Computing,' successfully launched from Dongfeng Commercial Aerospace at 12:03 local time. The mission deployed nine satellites in a 'one rocket, nine satellites' configuration. According to the company, this batch of satellites will primarily be used for space environment monitoring, disaster prevention and mitigation, and scientific experiments. The launch mission adopted a one-rocket-multiple-satellites mode, which CAS Space stated will accelerate the construction of small satellite constellations. The report was sourced from Beijing Business Today and published on East Money's industry economy channel.
Read sourceChina's Commercial Space Sector Sees Intensive Launches, Including AI-Powered Satellite
China's commercial spaceflight industry is experiencing a period of intensive launches, with multiple successful missions reported in September 2026. On September 20, CAS Space's Lijian-1 Y18 rocket launched nine satellites, including the 'Chaozhisuan-1' satellite featuring an AI computer and a 4-meter visible-light camera for on-orbit data processing and target recognition. This mission, a collaboration with Chaozhisuan (Beijing) Technology, aims to advance computing infrastructure into space. Other recent launches include the Kuaizhou-11 Y3 rocket on September 17, Orienspace's Gravity-1 rocket on September 16, and the Zhuque-2 rocket on September 15. The Lijian-1 rocket has completed 16 launches, delivering 119 satellites, and has orders planned through the second half of 2027. Zhu Keli, Chairman of the National Science and Technology Aerospace Economic Development Center, told Securities Times that high-frequency launches will accelerate technological iteration and consolidate the industry around leading enterprises with stable delivery capabilities.
Read sourceChina Completes Six Rocket Launches in One Week, Propelling Commercial Spaceflight into High-Density Phase
Cailian Press reports that China successfully executed six rocket launch missions within one week, deploying over 30 satellites. The launches involved the Lijian-1, Gravity-1, Kuaizhou-11, Long March 12, Long March 2D, and Zhuque-2 improved variant rockets. Policy support is accelerating, with commercial spaceflight included in a national challenge-based funding track offering up to 30 million yuan per project, and Beijing listing it as a key focus in its 15th Five-Year Plan. The missions covered low-orbit constellation networking and frontier technology verification. Notably, the 'Super Computing Satellite No. 1' on the Lijian-1 mission carries an AI computer for on-orbit intelligent processing, aiming to compress data response times from hours to minutes. Other satellites tested 5G-NTN satellite-ground communication and space-based radio frequency data collection. The article also notes that private firm Jianyuan Technology raised over 2.3 billion yuan in six months, with its Yuanxingzhe-1 rocket planned for a maiden flight by end of 2026. The report concludes that China's commercial spaceflight is shifting from single-point breakthroughs to systematic capability building.
CAS Space Lijian-1 Rocket Orders Booked Through Second Half of 2027, Annual Capacity at 30
On September 20, 2026, CAS Space successfully launched the Lijian-1 Yao-18 launch vehicle, named 'Super Intelligent Computing,' from the Dongfeng Commercial Aerospace Innovation Test Zone. Deputy Commander Meng Xiangfu stated that the Lijian-1 has a sufficient backlog of orders, with its launch schedule fully booked through the second half of 2027. The rocket's annual production capacity currently stands at 30 units. Additionally, thanks to dedicated launch pads and supporting technical facilities, the test-and-launch cycle at the site has been reduced to within 10 days. The information was reported by STAR Market Daily via stockstar_stock_live.
Read sourceCAS Space's Lijian-1 Rocket Launches 9 Satellites, Commercial Space Enters Scheduled Delivery Era
On September 20, CAS Space's Lijian-1 (Zhuque-1) rocket launched nine satellites, including the 'Super Computing No. 1,' from the Dongfeng Commercial Aerospace Innovation Test Zone. The mission, named 'Super Computing,' deployed satellites for space environment monitoring, disaster prevention, and scientific experiments. Since its maiden flight in July 2022, the Lijian-1 has completed 16 flights, making CAS Space the Chinese private firm with the most satellite launches and largest payload mass. Deputy Commander-in-Chief Meng Xiangfu stated the rocket's launch schedule is booked through the second half of 2027. The company has adopted a 'mission de-specialization' strategy, standardizing interfaces and brackets to create a 'standard shelf' for rapid payload adaptation. CAS Space operates a pulsating production line with an annual capacity of 30 rockets and a launch site cycle under 10 days. The article notes a shift in demand from traditional telecom and remote sensing clients to computing power firms and laboratories, and mentions CAS Space is building a dual-track framework for routine land launches and flexible sea launches.
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