At 11th June 2026 (Beijing time) Beijing time CNSA –China National Space Administration, the Long March 5 Yao-11 carrier rocket from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan Province, China, People’s Republic of China., On the morning of June 11, 2026, Beijing time, the Long March 5 Y11 carrier rocket and its satellite assembly, At 1530 Beijing Time on June 11, the Long March 5 carrier rocket, developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), was launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Site, successfully sending the Communication Technology Experiment Satellite-25 into its predetermined orbit. The launch mission was completed as planned This mission marked the 650th flight of the Long March series of carrier rockets.
At 15:30 on June 11, 2026, China successfully launched the Communication Technology Experiment Satellite-25 into its predetermined orbit using a Long March-5 carrier rocket from the Wenchang Space Launch Site. The launch mission was a complete success .
- Satellite Purpose : This satellite was developed under the overall leadership of the Fifth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation and is mainly used to conduct verification of multi-band, high-speed satellite communication technology.
- Rocket configuration : The Long March 5 rocket uses a fairing configuration with a diameter of 5.2 meters and a height of 18.5 meters. This configuration will make its first flight in December 2023, which improves its mission adaptability.
- Technical improvements : Nine technical status improvements were implemented to enhance reliability, the launch area workflow was optimized from 6 days to 4 days, and the adaptability to the high temperature and humidity environment of Hainan was enhanced.
- Mission significance : This is the 650th flight of the Long March series carrier rockets and the first launch of the Long March 5 rocket in 2026, providing strong support for subsequent major space projects.
I. Core Facts
- Launch time: 15:30 on June 11, 2026 (Beijing time)
- Launch site: Wenchang Space Launch Site, Hainan Launch vehicle: Long March 5 (Y11 rocket), with a fairing of 5.2 meters in diameter and 18.5 meters in height.
- Satellite Name: Communication Technology Experimental Satellite No. 25, developed by the Fifth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
- Mission outcome: The satellite successfully entered its predetermined orbit, and the launch mission was a complete success.
- Milestone: This marks the 650th flight of the Long March series carrier rockets, the first launch of the Long March 5 rocket in 2026, the 11th launch of the Long March 5 rocket, and the 18th launch of the Long March 5 series
II. Direct Cause
- Satellite applications: Primarily used for verifying multi-band, high-speed satellite communication technologies.
- Technology verification objective: To accumulate on-orbit data for future technologies such as satellite internet, 6G integrated space-air-ground communication, and direct mobile phone connection to satellites.
- Rocket Improvements: This rocket underwent nine technical improvements to enhance reliability and streamlined the launch process from six days to four days, improving its adaptability to the high temperature and humidity environment of Hainan
Images and visuals are from their Respectives CMS China Manned SpaceCNSA-China National Space Administration
