China has launched a new test satellite into space from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the southwestern province of Sichuan.
The Shiyan-29 satellite was launched at 10:34 am (Beijing Time) aboard a Long March-3C carrier rocket, with the Yuanzheng-1 (Expedition-1) upper stage attached to the carrier rocket. The satellite successfully reached its preset orbit.
According to the statement, it will be used mainly for space environment exploration and related technology tests. This is the 592nd flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series.
China has steadily progressed through a series of test satellite missions in 2025, targeting key areas such as in-orbit refueling, advanced communication systems, space-environment monitoring, and satellite internet infrastructure.
The Long March-3C is a Chinese expendable launch vehicle designed primarily for launching satellites into geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) and geostationary orbit (GEO). It is part of the Long March family of rockets operated by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) and the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).
As per the statement, often equipped with the YuanZheng-1 upper stage for precise orbital insertion, it is widely used for launching communications, navigation, and scientific satellites. Since its first flight in 2008, the Long March-3C has completed over 20 launches, earning a reputation for reliability and playing a key role in China’s expanding space infrastructure.
The new launch highlights China’s ongoing commitment to advancing space technologies and expanding its Long March rocket series.
In March, China launched a new communication technology test satellite into its designated orbit from the Wenchang Space Launch Site on the southern island province of Hainan. It will be used mainly for multi-band and high-speed communication technology validation.
According to the statement, this mission marked the 566th flight of the Long March carrier rocket series. The newly deployed satellite is primarily intended for validating multi-band and high-speed communication technologies.
