China's 2nd launch of the day was a Ceres-1 solid rocket.
China's 2nd launch of the day & 4th of the year: a Ceres-1 solid rocket lifted off from a barge off the coast of Shandong province at 2010 UTC (Jan. 15), successfully sending 4 Tianqi Constellation satellites into 850 km, 45° orbits. Jan 15, 2026 This launch was the 4th for China in the year 2026.
China's 2nd launch of the day & 4th of the year: a Ceres-1 solid rocket lifted off from a barge off the coast of Shandong province at 2010 UTC (Jan. 15), successfully sending 4 Tianqi Constellation satellites into 850 km, 45° orbits. Jan 15, 2026 Long March 2C launched ALSAT-3A for Algeria at 04:01 UTC on January 15, 2026.
🚀 Liftoff at 04:01UTC on January 15, Long March 2C launched ALSAT-3A for Algeria 🇩🇿 Jan 15, 2026 Long March 2C launched ALSAT-3A for Algeria at 04:01 UTC on January 15, 2026.
🚀 Long March 2C/ALSAT-3A Jan 15, 2026 CAS-SPACE LiHong-1 has a return capsule.
CAS-SPACE LiHong-1 recap Jan 15, 2026 The Long March 10A rocket is vertical at the launch pad.
👀 Long March 10A vertical at the launch pad Mengzhou in-flight abort test soon? Jan 15, 2026 An in-flight abort test for the Mengzhou spacecraft is anticipated soon.
👀 Long March 10A vertical at the launch pad Mengzhou in-flight abort test soon? Jan 15, 2026 GALACTIC-ENERGY's CERES-1S Y7 launched Tianqi Group 06 on January 15, 2026 at 20:10 UTC.
🚀 Liftoff at 20:10UTC on January 15, GALACTIC-ENERGY's CERES-1S Y7 launched Tianqi Group 06 (37~40) Jan 15, 2026 GALACTIC-ENERGY released the mission patch for the upcoming Ceres-1S sea launch.
🚀 Liftoff at 20:10UTC on January 15, GALACTIC-ENERGY's CERES-1S Y7 launched Tianqi Group 06 (37~40) Jan 15, 2026 China will conduct four launches within a two-day span, including the debut of a new launcher that has been long delayed.
Coming up are 4 more launches from China within a 2 days' span, including a (long delayed) new launcher debut and apparently a Chinese private LSP launching twice in just over a day. I can't even have time to report on other news yet because some are confusing to say the least! Jan 15, 2026 A Chinese private launch service provider will launch twice in just over a day.
Coming up are 4 more launches from China within a 2 days' span, including a (long delayed) new launcher debut and apparently a Chinese private LSP launching twice in just over a day. I can't even have time to report on other news yet because some are confusing to say the least! Jan 15, 2026 A launch is scheduled from Jiuquan SLC on January 15, 2026, around 04:00 UTC.
Something's launching on the busy SSO-bound corridor from Jiuquan SLC in ~3 hours from now, January 15 ~04:00 UTC, and drop zones look like it's for a LM-2C. Well...yes, perhaps, but...I can't exclude chances of an LM-2D, or even LandSpace's next ZQ-2E! Never mind what's on top! Jan 15, 2026 The current launch is expected to use an LM-2C vehicle.
Something's launching on the busy SSO-bound corridor from Jiuquan SLC in ~3 hours from now, January 15 ~04:00 UTC, and drop zones look like it's for a LM-2C. Well...yes, perhaps, but...I can't exclude chances of an LM-2D, or even LandSpace's next ZQ-2E! Never mind what's on top! Jan 15, 2026 There are possibilities that the launch might utilize an LM-2D or LandSpace's ZQ-2E vehicle.
Something's launching on the busy SSO-bound corridor from Jiuquan SLC in ~3 hours from now, January 15 ~04:00 UTC, and drop zones look like it's for a LM-2C. Well...yes, perhaps, but...I can't exclude chances of an LM-2D, or even LandSpace's next ZQ-2E! Never mind what's on top! Jan 15, 2026 Galactic Energy's Ceres-1 launch is scheduled for January 15, 2026.
Thousands of km away, also January 15 but ~20:05 UTC, one long-floated-around sea launch of Galactic Energy's Ceres-1 seems to be finally happening, w/ some ship hosting it just off Rizhao harbor in Shandong. Again I've no idea what's on top except it's bound for mid-incl. LEO... Jan 15, 2026 The Ceres-1 launch will take place off Rizhao harbor in Shandong.
Thousands of km away, also January 15 but ~20:05 UTC, one long-floated-around sea launch of Galactic Energy's Ceres-1 seems to be finally happening, w/ some ship hosting it just off Rizhao harbor in Shandong. Again I've no idea what's on top except it's bound for mid-incl. LEO... Jan 15, 2026 The payload of the Ceres-1 launch is bound for mid-inclination Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
Thousands of km away, also January 15 but ~20:05 UTC, one long-floated-around sea launch of Galactic Energy's Ceres-1 seems to be finally happening, w/ some ship hosting it just off Rizhao harbor in Shandong. Again I've no idea what's on top except it's bound for mid-incl. LEO... Jan 15, 2026 There is a long queue for upcoming sea launches.
Due to schedule conflict w/ another (you've actually seen it because it's delayed from Dec.) sea launch, this one (possible mission logo below) is apparently using some other ship than the "Oriental Spaceport", the first time in 2 years this is happening. There's a long queue... Jan 15, 2026 The Ceres-1S sea launch is affected by a schedule conflict with another delayed sea launch from December.
Due to schedule conflict w/ another (you've actually seen it because it's delayed from Dec.) sea launch, this one (possible mission logo below) is apparently using some other ship than the "Oriental Spaceport", the first time in 2 years this is happening. There's a long queue... Jan 15, 2026 GALACTIC-ENERGY released the mission patch for the next Ceres-1S sea launch.
Due to schedule conflict w/ another (you've actually seen it because it's delayed from Dec.) sea launch, this one (possible mission logo below) is apparently using some other ship than the "Oriental Spaceport", the first time in 2 years this is happening. There's a long queue... Jan 15, 2026 The upcoming Ceres-1S sea launch will use a different ship than the 'Oriental Spaceport' for the first time in two years.
Due to schedule conflict w/ another (you've actually seen it because it's delayed from Dec.) sea launch, this one (possible mission logo below) is apparently using some other ship than the "Oriental Spaceport", the first time in 2 years this is happening. There's a long queue... Jan 15, 2026 The Long March 3B is expected to launch towards Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO).
Hopping from NW to E & now to SW China, yet another workhorse Long March 3B (apparently)'s launch towards GTO (probably) is happening January 16 ~16:55 UTC w/ I dunno. What's sure is LM-3B's life is far from over & CALT is trying to show how it can still does > 15 launches/year! Jan 15, 2026 A Long March 3B launch is scheduled for January 16, 2026, at approximately 16:55 UTC.
Hopping from NW to E & now to SW China, yet another workhorse Long March 3B (apparently)'s launch towards GTO (probably) is happening January 16 ~16:55 UTC w/ I dunno. What's sure is LM-3B's life is far from over & CALT is trying to show how it can still does > 15 launches/year! Jan 15, 2026 China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) aims to conduct more than 15 Long March 3B launches per year.
Hopping from NW to E & now to SW China, yet another workhorse Long March 3B (apparently)'s launch towards GTO (probably) is happening January 16 ~16:55 UTC w/ I dunno. What's sure is LM-3B's life is far from over & CALT is trying to show how it can still does > 15 launches/year! Jan 15, 2026 Galactic Energy's Ceres-2 rocket is likely debuting on December 15, 2025 at approximately 04:05 UTC.
Did I say there's a new launcher debuting AND a private LSP's launching twice in less than 2 days? Well you probably know what I want to say, because after delays for 2 whole months, it seems Galactic Energy's Ceres-2 is trying to launch again, this time on January 17 ~04:05 UTC! Jan 15, 2026 Galactic Energy's Ceres-2 rocket is scheduled to launch on January 17, 2026 at approximately 04:05 UTC.
Did I say there's a new launcher debuting AND a private LSP's launching twice in less than 2 days? Well you probably know what I want to say, because after delays for 2 whole months, it seems Galactic Energy's Ceres-2 is trying to launch again, this time on January 17 ~04:05 UTC! Jan 15, 2026 An airspace closure notice indicates that the Shenzhou-20 will attempt reentry and landing between 0120 and 0150 UTC on January 19, 2026.
BTW there's also 1 thing that you all have been waiting for that's coming back - the stricken Shenzhou 20 is finally going to return in 4 days' time after its original crew finishes patching up the descent module port hole w/ extra shields from the inside: Jan 15, 2026 The repairs to the Shenzhou-20's descent module include extra shields added from the inside.
BTW there's also 1 thing that you all have been waiting for that's coming back - the stricken Shenzhou 20 is finally going to return in 4 days' time after its original crew finishes patching up the descent module port hole w/ extra shields from the inside: Jan 15, 2026 The stricken Shenzhou-20 crew spacecraft is scheduled to return in four days' time after repairs to its descent module port hole.
BTW there's also 1 thing that you all have been waiting for that's coming back - the stricken Shenzhou 20 is finally going to return in 4 days' time after its original crew finishes patching up the descent module port hole w/ extra shields from the inside: Jan 15, 2026 The reentry and landing of the Shenzhou-20 will be uncrewed.
BTW there's also 1 thing that you all have been waiting for that's coming back - the stricken Shenzhou 20 is finally going to return in 4 days' time after its original crew finishes patching up the descent module port hole w/ extra shields from the inside: Jan 15, 2026 The Hainan launch site opened on January 15, 2026.
Enjoy these LM-8A launch photos from yesterday while we wait for the next Chinese launch to orbit: Jan 15, 2026 A Chinese launch occurred on January 15, 2026.
Enjoy these LM-8A launch photos from yesterday while we wait for the next Chinese launch to orbit: Jan 15, 2026 The LM-8A launch photos were shared on social media.
Enjoy these LM-8A launch photos from yesterday while we wait for the next Chinese launch to orbit: Jan 15, 2026 A Long March 2C launch occurred on January 15, 2026.
So apparently it was indeed a Long March 2C launch that has just happened... Jan 15, 2026 Algeria has deviated from its history of purchasing Earth observation satellites from SurreySat and Airbus Space.
Oh my, yet another Galaxy Brain Moment for this launch! This LM-2C was successfully launched @ 04:01 UTC w/ Algeria's AlSat 3A. Deviating from history of buying Earth Observation satellites w/ @SurreySat & @AirbusSpace, it seems the African nation turned to the Chinese this time. Jan 15, 2026 Algeria chose to acquire its Earth observation satellite from China this time.
Oh my, yet another Galaxy Brain Moment for this launch! This LM-2C was successfully launched @ 04:01 UTC w/ Algeria's AlSat 3A. Deviating from history of buying Earth Observation satellites w/ @SurreySat & @AirbusSpace, it seems the African nation turned to the Chinese this time. Jan 15, 2026 The LM-2C rocket was successfully launched at 04:01 UTC on January 15, 2026.
Oh my, yet another Galaxy Brain Moment for this launch! This LM-2C was successfully launched @ 04:01 UTC w/ Algeria's AlSat 3A. Deviating from history of buying Earth Observation satellites w/ @SurreySat & @AirbusSpace, it seems the African nation turned to the Chinese this time. Jan 15, 2026 The launch included Algeria's AlSat 3A satellite.
Oh my, yet another Galaxy Brain Moment for this launch! This LM-2C was successfully launched @ 04:01 UTC w/ Algeria's AlSat 3A. Deviating from history of buying Earth Observation satellites w/ @SurreySat & @AirbusSpace, it seems the African nation turned to the Chinese this time. Jan 15, 2026 China has made inroads in the Earth Observation satellite market for Global South nations.
I don't think I have ever heard of this project (any French/Arabic speakers that can chime in?), but this is the latest indication that China certainly has made inroads in the EO satellite market for "Global South" nations, following cooperation projects w/ Egypt, UAE, Oman etc. Jan 15, 2026 China has undertaken cooperation projects with Egypt, UAE, and Oman.
I don't think I have ever heard of this project (any French/Arabic speakers that can chime in?), but this is the latest indication that China certainly has made inroads in the EO satellite market for "Global South" nations, following cooperation projects w/ Egypt, UAE, Oman etc. Jan 15, 2026 Long March 2C is marked with the Algerian flag and the Algerian Space Agency logo.
The Long March 2C with the Algerian flag and Algerian Space Agency marking: Jan 15, 2026 The contract includes the launch of AlSat 3B.
So apparently this contract was signed between @CGWIC and the Algerian Space Agency in July 2023 for 2 Earth observation satellites, launch services, ground stations and satellite controllers' training services, i.e. there will be an AlSat 3B launching also here pretty soon. Jan 15, 2026 CGWIC signed a contract with the Algerian Space Agency in July 2023 for two Earth observation satellites, launch services, ground stations, and satellite controllers' training services.
So apparently this contract was signed between @CGWIC and the Algerian Space Agency in July 2023 for 2 Earth observation satellites, launch services, ground stations and satellite controllers' training services, i.e. there will be an AlSat 3B launching also here pretty soon. Jan 15, 2026 A video was captured from another camera at the launch pad.
From another camera at the pad: Jan 15, 2026 The Ceres-1 launch is taking place just off-shore from Rizhao.
Coming up in about 1.5 hours is the next Chinese launch to orbit, where residents of Rizhao port on the Yellow Sea coast in Shandong will see - and hear - an early 4 am sunrise when this Galactic Energy Ceres-1S rocket launches just off-shore: Jan 15, 2026 A sea launch of Galactic Energy's Ceres-1 is set to occur on January 15 at approximately 20:05 UTC.
Coming up in about 1.5 hours is the next Chinese launch to orbit, where residents of Rizhao port on the Yellow Sea coast in Shandong will see - and hear - an early 4 am sunrise when this Galactic Energy Ceres-1S rocket launches just off-shore: Jan 15, 2026 Residents of Rizhao port on the Yellow Sea coast in Shandong will see an early sunrise at 4 am during the launch.
Coming up in about 1.5 hours is the next Chinese launch to orbit, where residents of Rizhao port on the Yellow Sea coast in Shandong will see - and hear - an early 4 am sunrise when this Galactic Energy Ceres-1S rocket launches just off-shore: Jan 15, 2026 The Ceres-1 mission is bound for a mid-inclination Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
Coming up in about 1.5 hours is the next Chinese launch to orbit, where residents of Rizhao port on the Yellow Sea coast in Shandong will see - and hear - an early 4 am sunrise when this Galactic Energy Ceres-1S rocket launches just off-shore: Jan 15, 2026 The next Chinese launch to orbit is scheduled to occur in about 1.5 hours.
Coming up in about 1.5 hours is the next Chinese launch to orbit, where residents of Rizhao port on the Yellow Sea coast in Shandong will see - and hear - an early 4 am sunrise when this Galactic Energy Ceres-1S rocket launches just off-shore: Jan 15, 2026 The launch will feature the Galactic Energy Ceres-1S rocket.
Coming up in about 1.5 hours is the next Chinese launch to orbit, where residents of Rizhao port on the Yellow Sea coast in Shandong will see - and hear - an early 4 am sunrise when this Galactic Energy Ceres-1S rocket launches just off-shore: Jan 15, 2026