JIUQUAN — China achieved a major milestone in its commercial spaceflight program with the successful launch of the SQX‑1 Y10 carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in Northwest China. Liftoff occurred at precisely 12:11 p.m. July 29, 2025 Beijing Time, placing a satellite into its designated orbit as planned.
The rocket’s flight adds to the growing portfolio of the SQX‑1 series, which has previously conducted missions, including its sixth flight in December 2023. The SQX‑1, a solid-fuelled commercial vehicle, supports China’s push into market-driven space applications.
This mission reflects China’s broader ambition to enhance its competitive presence in the global commercial launch market, alongside private firms like LandSpace—which, in May 2025, deployed six satellites via its methane‑engineered Zhuque‑2E Y2 rocket from the same launch zone.
With its ongoing developments, China is advancing toward reusable rocket technology. Among key efforts are tests of the Zhuque‑3 reusable launcher and vertical take-off/landing trials linked to the Long March 12 series development.
Analysts view the SQX‑1 Y10’s success as integral not only to satellite deployment but also to China’s strategic aim to sustain high launch cadence, service satellite constellations, and reduce the cost of access to space.
As Beijing extends its aerospace ambitions—favouring both state-backed and private-sector players—the SQX‑1 launch marks another step toward solidifying its status as a major commercial launch provider.
