China launches Lijian-1 rocket, sending 5 satellites into space
CGTN
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A Lijian-1 Y13 carrier rocket lifts off from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwest China, May 15, 2026. (Photo: CMG)

China launched a Lijian-1 (also known as Kinetica-1) Y13 carrier rocket with five satellites onboard from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwest China on Friday.

The rocket blasted off at 12:33 p.m., and has sent the satellites into the preset orbits.

The Lijian-1 carrier rocket was developed by CAS Space, a commercial spaceflight company established by the Institute of Mechanics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The rocket serves the small satellite launch market, offering both dedicated launches for single customers and rideshare missions where multiple payloads share a rocket.

The launch marks the 13th flight mission of the Lijian-1 carrier rocket.