China launches Gravity-1 rocket from sea, places nine satellites into orbit

A Gravity-1 carrier rocket carrying nine satellites blasts off from waters off the coast of Shanghai, east China, July 22, 2026. (Xinhua)China on Wednesday successfully launched its Gravity-1 commercial rocket from the East China Sea, placing nine satellites into their designated orbits and carrying out one payload experiment. The mission marked the first far-sea launch by a privately developed commercial rocket, demonstrating China's growing capability in long-range maritime launch operations.Developed by ORIENSPACE, the 30-metre, 405-tonne Gravity-1 lifted off at 10:54 am from a launch vessel operated by the Oriental Aerospace Port in Shandong province. The launch was conducted under the direction of the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center.Officials said the mission successfully validated th