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The rocket lifted off at 12:03 p.m. Beijing Time from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwest China, according to Chinese media.

This mission marked the 12th flight of the Lijian-1 rocket series, developed by CAS Space, a firm established by the Institute of Mechanics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Chief designer Shi Xiaoning said the Lijian-1 is tailored for the microsatellite launch market, offering flexible services capable of deploying multiple satellites in a single mission.

Since its debut, the rocket series has placed more than 90 satellites into space, with a combined payload exceeding 12 tonnes, reflecting steady progress in China’s private space launch capabilities.

Developers say the rocket’s annual production capacity has surpassed 10 units, with assembly and testing cycles reduced to about one month. Plans are also underway for its first sea-based launch, which is expected to expand operational flexibility and increase launch frequency.

The latest mission underscores China’s push to strengthen its presence in the competitive global small-satellite launch market.