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BEIJING – China has successfully inaugurated a new Tianlian data tracking and relay communications satellite, bolstering its space-based infrastructure in geostationary orbit. The Tianlian-2 (04) satellite launch occurred on Wednesday, marking a significant advancement in China’s space program.
Tianlian-2 (04) Satellite Launch Details
A Long March 3B carrier rocket ascended from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China at 11:55 a.m. Eastern (1555 UTC) on March 26. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) formally confirmed the successful launch approximately one hour after liftoff. CASC identified the payload as the Tianlian-2 (04) data tracking and relay satellite.
While anticipations for the launch were present due to prior airspace closure notifications, the specific payload remained undisclosed until CASC’s post-launch announcement. The satellite is currently positioned in geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO). It will subsequently maneuver to its designated operational location within the geostationary belt, approximately 35,786 kilometers above the equator.
Purpose of the Tianlian-2 Satellite System
Tianlian-2 (04) represents a key component of China’s second-generation geostationary orbit (GEO) data relay satellite network. Its primary function is to deliver essential data relay and telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) services. These services are crucial for supporting crewed missions, notably the Tiangong space station and Shenzhou spacecraft. Furthermore, Tianlian-2 (04) will extend support to medium- and low Earth orbit satellites and launch operations.
The Tianlian system mirrors the role of the U.S. Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS). Strategically positioned satellites within GEO enable the Tianlian system to provide near-continuous coverage. This capability was recently demonstrated during a seven-hour extravehicular activity conducted outside the Tiangong station.
Technological Enhancements in Tianlian-2 (04)
Compared to its predecessor, Tianlian-2 (03), launched in July 2022, the latest satellite incorporates several technological upgrades. These enhancements include improved data transmission capacity and accelerated response speed. According to CASC, these improvements are designed to address the expanding domestic requirements for data and TT&C services. They also aim to strengthen the independence and security of China’s second-generation relay system.
Tianlian Satellite Series Evolution
China’s inaugural Tianlian satellite, Tianlian-1 (01), was deployed in 2008. Tianlian-1 (02) and (03) followed and are now situated in graveyard orbits above the geostationary belt, based on tracking data from the U.S. Space Force. Currently operational in GEO are Tianlian-1 (04) and (05), alongside the new-generation Tianlian-2 (01), (02), (03), and now (04) satellites.
Development and Launch Vehicle
Like prior satellites in the series, Tianlian-2 (04) was engineered by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), a prominent spacecraft manufacturing entity within CASC. The Long March 3B rocket, supplied by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), a major rocket manufacturer under CASC, served as the launch vehicle. This hypergolic propellant rocket has long been China’s primary launch system for geosynchronous missions.
China’s 2025 Spaceflight Activities
Wednesday’s mission marked China’s 15th orbital launch in 2025. It follows two recent launches of Ceres-1 solid propellant rockets by the commercial launch provider Galactic Energy. The first, on March 17, successfully deployed eight satellites into orbit, including six commercial meteorological satellites, from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The second followed just four days later from the same Jiuquan launch site, delivering another six commercial meteorological satellites for the Yunyao-1 constellation.
Galactic Energy is in preparation to debut both the larger Ceres-2 solid rocket and the Pallas-1 rocket, utilizing kerosene-liquid oxygen propellant, later this year.
Future Space Program Ambitions
CASC has not yet released a comprehensive overview of its 2025 objectives. However, with enhanced spaceport infrastructure, ongoing megaconstellation projects, and the anticipated introduction of new launch vehicles, China may be targeting approximately 100 or more launches throughout the year. This ambitious goal would surpass the national record of 68 launches achieved last year. A surge in commercial launch operations is expected, with several emerging medium-lift and potentially reusable rockets scheduled for their initial flights.
Key forthcoming missions include the Shenzhou-20 and 21 crewed spaceflights to Tiangong. Furthermore, the Tianwen-2 near-Earth asteroid sample return mission is slated for launch from Xichang around May, utilizing a Long March 3B rocket.