China successfully launched eight remote-sensing satellites into orbit aboard a Lijian-1 Y14 carrier rocket, further expanding its Earth-observation capabilities and commercial space activities.

The rocket lifted off at 11:44 a.m. Beijing time from a commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwestern China and successfully delivered its payload into the planned orbit.

Mission officials said all eight satellites are high-resolution optical remote-sensing spacecraft designed to support Earth observation, environmental monitoring and data-gathering applications.

According to the rocket manufacturer, the Lijian-1 launch vehicle series has now deployed a total of 105 satellites into space, carrying a combined payload exceeding 15 metric tons.

The company said the latest mission marked the third consecutive Lijian-1 launch conducted during the second quarter of 2026, reflecting an accelerated launch schedule as demand for satellite deployment continues to grow.

China has expanded its satellite network significantly in recent years, with remote-sensing technologies playing an increasingly important role in areas such as disaster management, agricultural monitoring, natural resource assessment and infrastructure planning.

The launch comes as China continues to accelerate development of its commercial space industry and strengthen domestic aerospace capabilities through a growing number of satellite and rocket missions.(ILKHA)