China’s CAS Space Expands Commercial Launch Program with Successful Lijian-1 Rocket Mission Deploying 5 Satellites

July 26, 2026

Anadolu Ajansı China

Overview

China successfully launched the Lijian-1 Y15 carrier rocket, developed by CAS Space, deploying five satellites into orbit. This mission represents the latest expansion of the nation’s commercial launch program, reconfirming Lijian-1’s role as a key Chinese commercial solid-fuel rocket for efficiently deploying small to medium-sized satellite payloads. This success highlights the vigorous growth of China’s private space industry and its enhanced capacity to offer diverse launch services.

In Depth

Key Findings

China has achieved a successful mission with the Lijian-1 Y15 carrier rocket, developed by CAS Space, by deploying five satellites into orbit. This launch represents the latest accomplishment in China’s rapidly expanding commercial space launch program, solidifying the Lijian-1 rocket’s position as a prominent commercial solid-fuel rocket capable of efficiently deploying small to medium-sized satellite payloads.

Technical & Mission Details

The Lijian-1 is a solid-fuel rocket designed and manufactured by CAS Space, a company under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Solid-fuel rockets inherently offer several advantages over liquid-fueled counterparts, including simpler construction, easier propellant preparation and management, shorter preparation times before launch, and reduced operational costs. These characteristics are particularly crucial for commercial launch services provided by private companies, enabling quick and flexible responses to market demands.

The five satellites deployed in this mission are expected to be utilized for various applications, including Earth observation, communications, and scientific research. The Lijian-1’s high reliability and cost-efficiency make it an attractive option for building satellite constellations that require the launch of multiple small to medium-sized satellites.

Background & Industry Context

In recent years, China has actively promoted the entry of private companies into the space industry, alongside its large-scale government-led space development programs. This strategy aims to enhance China’s competitiveness in the global space market and establish new drivers for economic growth. The success of commercial rockets like Lijian-1 demonstrates the steady progress of this strategy. Notably, while international competitors such as SpaceX lead the market with reusable rocket technology, China is leveraging the advantages of solid-fuel rockets (e.g., rapid launch preparation, reliability) to secure market share through a different approach.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

The consecutive successful launches by the Lijian-1 rocket will contribute to the further development of CAS Space and China’s commercial space industry. This rocket is expected to capture demand in the small satellite market, serving as a flexible launch platform capable of meeting diverse customer needs. In the future, potential enhancements to Lijian-1’s capabilities, including the introduction of reusability, could further strengthen China’s access to space. Consequently, China is poised to establish itself as a significant player in the global space launch market, expanding its capacity to provide commercial space services in Earth observation, communication, and navigation.

Source: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/china-launches-lijian-1-rocket-carrying-5-satellites-into-orbit/4007829

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