The CERES-1 Y8 carrier rocket carrying a new satellite blasts off from the waters near the city of Rizhao, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2026. China launched a rocket from the ocean waters near the city of Rizhao in east China's Shandong Province on Wednesday, placing a new satellite into planned orbit.

The CERES-1 Y8 carrier rocket blasted off at 11:39 a.m. (Beijing Time).

The Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center carried out this offshore launch. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei)