China successfully launched a Zhuque-2E Y4 carrier rocket from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwest China on Wednesday.
The rocket lifted off at 19:40 (Beijing Time) and deployed 10 satellites into their preset orbits.
The flight test mission was declared a complete success.
The 10 satellites will conduct key technology tests and verification for cutting-edge global commercial space needs, including space computing power and high-performance satellite internet.
The Zhuque-2 improved variant is a medium-lift liquid-fueled rocket using liquid oxygen and methane as propellants, with a maximum low-Earth orbit payload capacity of six tons.
To accommodate the differences in size, weight, and orbit requirements of the satellites in this mission, the development team optimized the satellite layout inside the fairing and the separation sequence.
"Rideshare missions involve multiple clients and satellites with different technical approaches, as well as varying requirements for size, mechanical environment, and layout within the fairing. This kind of systematic work better demonstrates how a private launch company coordinates task organization and scheduling across multiple clients," said Ma Haijing, general manager of the marketing department at LandSpace.
This launch came just 29 days after the previous mission of the improved Zhuque-2. To meet the demands of high-frequency launches, the development team has improved satellite-rocket testing facilities and adopted standardized procedures to improve the ability to prepare and support multiple missions simultaneously.
"The Zhuque-2 is a reliable medium-lift launch vehicle. Its main value lies in faster response times and greater reliability and support for customers. Going forward, it will primarily serve the large-scale construction of China's satellite internet constellation, which requires small-batch networking, by providing rapid and dependable launch capacity," said Ma.
China's Zhuque-2E rocket launches 10 satellites into space
China's ambitious "fitness for all" nationwide public health campaign and its determined drive to become a leading sporting nation are unlocking vast opportunities for sportswear businesses in the country's massive consumer market, said Adidas CEO Bjorn Gulden.
Speaking in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) in Shanghai, Gulden said the German sportswear giant's localized approach to the Chinese market is a direct response to competition from stronger-than-ever local brands.
Under its "In China, For China" strategy, the company has delegated full product and creative control to its China team, which now designs and develops roughly half of Adidas products locally to match regional fashion trends and consumer preferences, with a shorter supply chain made possible by producing on the ground.
"Competition forces you to be better. And I'm sure that the reason why we have chosen to do 'In China, For China' model is because of competition. The old days when Adidas and all the brands were just exporting, I would say, concepts into China that were the same as in Europe and in America is over. That's why we have designers and creatives that work in China on a supply chain that is shorter because you can produce here. And that is of course to compete also against the local brands by making sure that we are better," he said.
Noting the evolution of sportswear from functional attire to everyday fashion, Gulden welcomed China's policies encouraging people to get active, saying they are bringing more consumers into the sportswear industry.
"Most sports products today are not being used for sports. They're being used as a comfort shoe or as a lifestyle item, and it's part of our life. It's very, very good that China is pushing sports more. The more people that do sports, the more importance sports get both from selling products, but also to widen the audience for sports culture products," Gulden said.
China's "fitness for all" strategy aims to get around 40 percent of the population exercising regularly by the end of the decade, backed by thousands of new and upgraded community sports facilities, expanded venue space and "15-minute fitness circles" designed to put public exercise areas within a short walk of every urban and rural resident.
China's push to become leading sports nation benefits sportswear businesses: Adidas CEO
