Watch Long March 8A Launch SatNet LEO Group 23 Wenchang, LIVE!!

Video from the channel ThatSpaceDogeGuy about Long March 8A, linked on its Above Ten Thousand entry. Duration: 30:50. Language: English. Video type: Livestream.

Live broadcast, with English-language commentary from the channel's team, of the launch of a Long March 8A from Wenchang, on Hainan Island, carrying a batch of nine low-orbit communications satellites for China's state SatNet constellation, known as Guowang (SatNet LEO Group 23). The footage comes from unofficial cameras near the base and from the SpaceLens feed; it is not Chinese state television's coverage.

During the wait, the host describes the rocket as a cheaper evolution of the Long March 8, developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, with a two-and-a-half-stage design: kerosene and liquid oxygen in the first stage and the two boosters, powered by YF-100 engines (two in the core and one on each booster), and liquid hydrogen and oxygen in the second stage. He mentions it can only fly from the two Wenchang complexes, on Hainan's east coast. On the payload, he explains that Guowang, operated by China Satellite Network Group, is China's equivalent of Starlink, that the design of its satellites remains little known, and that the constellation is planned to have around 13,000 satellites. The shot shows construction work nearby, away from the pad, continuing during the launch. The service arms are seen retracting, and after the countdown, ignition and liftoff.

Liftoff takes place, but a very dense cloud layer hides the rocket within seconds and there is no tracking footage. Around three and a half minutes into the flight, the broadcast ends with no further images. At close, there is still no confirmation of orbital insertion: the host expects it within one or two hours.