📅 Yesterday (Tuesday, Jan 13, 2026), China’s Long March-8A rocket soared skyward from the Hainan commercial space launch site at 11:25 PM local time, carrying a fresh squad of 18 internet satellites into low Earth orbit 🚀.
Low Earth orbit (or LEO) satellites circle just a few hundred kilometers above Earth, making them ideal for fast, low-latency internet. These tiny orbiters beam connectivity to remote spots, from the hill communities of Nepal to island towns in Indonesia 🌐.
This 18th group joins a growing constellation that’s all about bridging the digital divide, powering everything from YouTubers livestreaming in real time to gamers chasing victory in SEA. It’s a reminder that space tech isn’t just for sci-fi—it’s shaping our everyday apps and social feeds.
With more launches on the horizon, Asia’s space scene is heating up. Keep your eyes on the skies—you never know when the next booster will light up the night 🌠.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
