New satellites boost China's orbital technology capabilities

by Riko Seibo
Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Nov 20, 2025

China launched three multifunctional satellites into orbit on Wednesday using a Long March 2C carrier rocket, according to China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CASC). Designated Shijian 30A, 30B, and 30C, the satellites were successfully placed into their intended orbits following liftoff from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region. This operation extended China's run of high-cadence launches as the country deepens its technical capabilities in space.

The Shijian series plays a central role in advancing China's engineering and research efforts in space. These missions act as testbeds for cutting-edge technology and provide an essential platform for monitoring the space environment, including radiation levels, high-energy particles, and phenomena like space weather. Insights from these satellites inform the design and operational safety of future Chinese spacecraft. The new payloads, designed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, are tailored for space environment surveys and technology demonstrations, incorporating sensors that will collect vital orbital data and support the validation of new spacecraft subsystems.

Beyond environmental monitoring, the Shijian satellites have proven essential for in-orbit technology verification, making it possible to fast-track innovations in satellite communications, data transmission, and autonomous system design. Such verification accelerates the integration of new technology into larger, operational satellite fleets for navigation, communications, and Earth observation. The ongoing expansion of the Shijian series reflects China's growing focus on resilience and rapid adaptation in its space infrastructure. Notably, past missions in the program have contributed to orbital refueling, in-space servicing, and pioneering satellite maintenance techniques - elements that are becoming increasingly crucial for longer-term, sustainable operations above Earth.

Launching from Jiuquan, a key inland facility, highlights how China is balancing civilian research missions with broader strategic and dual-use objectives. With each new deployment, Chinese engineers demonstrate enhanced agility in maintaining precise launch schedules and mission profiles, reinforcing both scientific advancement and national priorities.

With this most recent flight, China has launched its 74th space mission of the year and marked the 608th flight of the Long March rocket family, further cementing its position as a major player in global space operations. As technology evolves, the Shijian satellite platform will continue to serve as a proving ground for innovations that will shape the next generation of orbital infrastructure and bolster China's ambitions in space.