China made a record launch from the sea with its Gravity-1 rocket

According to Xinhua, 8 satellites that will form part of the "Chienfan" (Space Sailing) constellation network and the "EUHT" technology satellite were launched from the ship platform off the coast of Shanghai city in the East China Sea.

The launch, in which the satellites reached the planned location in the Sun Synchronous Orbit at an altitude of 800 kilometers above the ground, was a record for launches from the sea in terms of both the amount of payload and the altitude reached.

Gravity-1, developed by Orienspace company based in Shandong province, was used in a launch for the fourth time. The first launch with the rocket was made on January 11, 2024.

Capable of carrying 6.5 tons of payload to Low Earth Orbit and 4.2 tons to Sun Synchronous Orbit, Gravity-1 is the world's most powerful rocket powered by solid fuel.

Solid fuel rockets are less preferred in space programs compared to liquid fuel rockets that provide more effective propulsion. However, their use of compact fuel shortens the preparation time for launches, making these types of rockets faster, more effective and less costly.