China's Kinetica 2 rocket sends 18 satellites into orbit

The mission was the 18th orbital launch conducted by CAS Space, which was established by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It also marked the first time the company's rocket had been used to deploy a large group of satellites for China's internet satellite network.

The Kinetica 2 is a medium-lift, liquid-fueled rocket and the second launch vehicle developed by CAS Space, following the Kinetica 1. It is the company's first liquid-propellant rocket and is designed to support China's large-scale satellite deployment and low-cost cargo transportation to the Chinese space station.