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-powered "Super Computing No. 1." The mission supports space environment monitoring, disaster prevention, and scientific experiments. The Lijian-1 has completed 16 flights, delivering 121 satellites. CAS Space reports its launch schedule is fully booked through the second half of 2027, with an annual production capacity of 30 rockets and a launch cycle under 10 days.
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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.
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China'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 sourceCAS 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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