Zhuque-2E Block 2 Launches 2 SatNet Satellites — 9 June 2026 Recap

What happened?

LandSpace successfully launched two SatNet direct-to-cell (DTC) test satellites aboard a Zhuque-2E Block 2 rocket at 08:23 UTC on 9 June 2026 from Launch Area 96A at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. The mission reached orbit as planned, according to LandSpace.

The Zhuque-2E is a two-stage, methane-and-liquid-oxygen (methalox) orbital rocket built by Beijing-based private company LandSpace. Its predecessor, Zhuque-2, became the world's first methane-fueled rocket to reach orbit in July 2023, and the upgraded 2E Block 2 variant carries greater payload capacity for China's growing megaconstellation deployment needs.

Did the launch succeed?

Yes. The launch was declared a success, with both SatNet DTC test satellites delivered to their target orbit. Methalox propulsion is prized for being cleaner-burning and more reusable-friendly than the toxic hypergolic and kerosene fuels that have powered most of China's earlier rockets, making each successful Zhuque-2E flight a step toward LandSpace's reusable-rocket ambitions.

Key mission facts

What was the payload?

The two satellites are direct-to-cell (DTC) test spacecraft for SatNet, the operator behind China's state-backed Guowang low-Earth-orbit broadband megaconstellation. Direct-to-cell technology lets standard, unmodified smartphones connect straight to satellites, filling coverage gaps where terrestrial cell towers do not reach — the same capability being pursued by SpaceX's Starlink and AST SpaceMobile.

Guowang is planned to comprise roughly 13,000 satellites, making it one of the largest satellite networks ever proposed. Test satellites like this pair validate the payload hardware, antenna performance and network protocols before large-scale operational deployment begins. As with all early constellation flights, these two spacecraft serve primarily as technology demonstrators.

Why does this launch matter?

This mission underscores two parallel trends in Chinese spaceflight: the rise of commercial launch providers such as LandSpace, and the acceleration of domestic megaconstellations intended to rival Western LEO networks. Direct-to-cell service, if proven, would let ordinary phones stay connected across oceans, deserts and disaster zones.

The Zhuque-2E Block 2 also reflects China's shift toward methalox propulsion. LandSpace made history in 2023 as the first company worldwide to reach orbit with a methane-powered rocket, and continued upgrades to the Zhuque line aim to increase payload mass while paving the way for a future reusable first stage.

About the launch site

The Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, in the Gobi Desert of Inner Mongolia, is China's oldest and most-used spaceport. It hosts all of the country's crewed Shenzhou missions and has become a hub for commercial operators like LandSpace using dedicated commercial pads such as Launch Area 96.

How to watch and track the satellites

Chinese commercial launches are not always broadcast live in advance, and LandSpace typically confirms success shortly after orbital insertion. Now that the two SatNet DTC satellites are in orbit, you can follow their position in real time on Cosmik's live 3D satellite map as tracking data becomes available.

To keep up with future LandSpace flights and other missions from China, browse the full rocket launch schedule and the latest launch news. If you want to learn the basics of following spacecraft overhead, see our guide on how to track satellites.

Sources and further reading

• Zhuque-2 (Wikipedia)
• LandSpace (Wikipedia)
• Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (Wikipedia)
• The Space Devs Launch Library API

Follow it live on Cosmik

Track the newly deployed SatNet DTC satellites and every other object in orbit on Cosmik's free real-time 3D map, and enable launch alerts so you never miss the next LandSpace or Guowang mission. Start following live at gocosmik.com.