China launches 18 new satellites into space

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - China on Thursday launched 18 satellites into space, marking the fifth such event this year, state media reported.

The Spacesail Group-06 was launched aboard a modified domestically produced Long March-6 carrier rocket at 1:15 p.m. local time (0515GMT) from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in northern Shanxi province, Xinhua News Agency reported.

The satellites will be part of the Spacesail Constellation, a planned Chinese mega-constellation of low-Earth orbit internet satellites that will create a system of global internet coverage.

China's first launch of 2025 took place on Jan. 7, when the Shijian-25 test satellite was launched into space aboard a Long March-3B rocket.

Separately, China's three astronauts from the manned Shenzhou-18 mission were awarded medals for their service on Thursday.

Ye Guangfu was honored with a second-class aerospace achievement medal, while Li Cong and Li Guangsu received third-class medals and the honorary title of "heroic astronauts."

The crew of Shenzhou-18 returned home early last November, carrying 34.6 kilograms (76 pounds) of space samples.