China launches Guowang and Yaogan-40 satellites, sets up busy Q4
China launched the 26th batch of Guowang satellites and the fourth group of Yaogan-40 satellites on Sept. 23–24, bringing its 2026 total to 70 orbital launch attempts. To exceed 100 launches in a year for the first time, it needs at least 31 more in Q4, including the crewed Shenzhou-24 mission in November.
- Guowang: 26th batch in ~1,100 km orbits inclined 50°, constellation planned at ~13,000 satellites
- Yaogan-40 (04): three satellites in ~800 km orbits for electromagnetic environment detection
- 70 orbital launch attempts in 2026: 18 in Q1, 26 in Q2 and 26 in Q3
- At least 31 launches needed in Q4, including Shenzhou-24 in November
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