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BEIJING — China initiated another launch in its series of satellite internet technology trials in the early hours of Tuesday, furthering its space-based network development. This mission underscores China’s commitment to expanding its satellite internet infrastructure.
The Long March 2D launch vehicle ascended from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center situated in the Gobi Desert at midnight (0400 UTC) on April 1. Insulation panels detached from the payload fairing as the rocket ascended into clear skies, driven by its hypergolic exhaust.
The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), a state-owned entity responsible for rocket manufacturing, confirmed the launch’s success. They disclosed the payload as a ‘satellite internet technology test satellite’.
According to SAST, the primary purpose of the satellite is to conduct technical evaluations and validation for direct-to-cell satellite broadband services and the integration of space and ground networks. No further specifics or visual representations of the satellite were released.
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)’s Radio Management Bureau indicated that the mission deployed four internet satellite test satellites, identified as 0001-0004, equipped with Ka and other frequency band payloads.
Commercial satellite producers and operators, Changguang Satellite Technology and Galaxy Space, subsequently verified their contribution of two satellites each for this launch. Information beyond a basic functional overview was not provided for these satellites.
China’s Satellite Internet Testing Initiative
This marks China’s sixth launch within its ongoing ‘satellite internet technology test satellite’ program, initiated in July 2023 with a Long March 2C and YZ-1 upper stage, followed by a subsequent mission utilizing the Long March 12 rocket in November 2024. These missions have employed diverse launch vehicles, deploying between one and three satellites per launch. Official channels have released only concise descriptions, without visual representation, of these satellites. The China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), a prominent state-owned spacecraft manufacturer, is reportedly involved in the development of several of these satellites.
Despite China’s progress with two low Earth orbit megaconstellation projects, Guowang and Qianfan/Thousand Sails, the ‘satellite internet technology test satellite’ missions persist. These missions may operate independently or serve as precursors for next-generation satellite technologies applicable to larger constellations. They could also be aimed at validating crucial systems like propulsion, power management, thermal regulation, and phased array antennas.
Furthermore, in 2024, China conducted three distinct launches of ‘high orbit’ internet satellites into geostationary orbit. Similar to the low Earth orbit satellites, detailed information about these spacecraft remains limited. This information scarcity has fueled speculation regarding their possible applications, with observers suggesting potential military or dual-purpose utilization.
These missions contribute to China’s expanding space-based communication infrastructure, reflecting its ambitions to secure independent access to satellite internet services, minimizing dependence on foreign systems. The Chinese government recognized ‘satellite internet‘ as a prioritized ‘new infrastructure’ category in 2020.
China’s communication initiatives encompass Guowang and Qianfan/Thousand Sails constellations in medium Earth orbit, alongside ChinaSat and Apstar satellites positioned in geostationary orbit (GEO). Furthermore, China is developing an integrated space infrastructure system that will merge communication capabilities with navigation, positioning, and remote sensing functionalities.
China’s Launch Activity in 2025
Tuesday’s mission marked China’s 17th orbital launch of 2025. This follows the deployment of the classified TJS-16 satellite to geosynchronous transfer orbit on March 29, accomplished with a Long March 7A rocket.
China may be aiming for 100 or more launches during 2025, fueled by increasing commercial space operations, expansive megaconstellation projects, and advancements in new launch vehicle technology. Several novel medium-lift and potentially reusable rockets are anticipated to conduct their initial flights this year.
Notable missions slated for the year include the Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21 crewed spaceflights to the Tiangong space station. The Tianwen-2 near-Earth asteroid sample return mission is projected to commence from Xichang aboard a Long March 3B rocket around May.