On the16 June 2026 launch CNSA _China National Space Administration -China – People’s Republic of China Hong Kong –Beijing Time China- People’s Republic of China…. at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, Sichuan Province of the Xichang Launch Center Today, China successfully launched Shijian-31 satellite into space using the Long March 3B carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center…..
At 17:45 on June 16 2026 Beijing time , the Long March 3B carrier rocket was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, successfully sending the Shijian-31 satellite into its predetermined orbit. The launch mission was a complete success.
The Shijian-31 satellite was developed by the Eighth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) and is mainly used for space environment exploration.
The Long March 3B rocket, developed by the First Academy of CASC, is a member of the Long March 3A series of carrier rockets.
This launch was the 651st launch of the Long March series of carrier rockets.
I. Quick Overview of the Core Task
| project | Detailed information |
| Launch time | 17:45 on June 16, 2026 |
| Launch site | Xichang Satellite Launch Center |
| launch vehicle | The Long March 3B carrier rocket was developed by the First Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. |
| Launch satellite | The Shijian-31 satellite was developed by the Eighth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. |
| Core Uses | Space Environment Detection |
| Task Number | The 651st flight of the Long March series carrier rocket |
II. The Long March 3B rocket’s return to flight and technological upgrades
1. Troubleshooting and Resolution
This mission marks the second flight of the Long March 3B rocket in 2026, following setbacks in the previous mission (the March mission). The project team conducted multi-system, multi-disciplinary collaborative technical research to address the deep-seated characteristics and complex mechanisms of the malfunction, completing extensive simulation analyses and ground tests, and thoroughly understanding the malfunction’s patterns.
2. Technical Status Improvement
To improve the reliability of the rocket, a total of five technical improvements were implemented for this mission.
3. Stricter quality control
The mission team implemented stricter quality control measures at the launch site, including double-checking and repeated verification, to ensure the successful completion of the go-around.30
III. The Mission of Shijian-31 Satellite
1. Core Task
The Shijian-31 satellite is mainly used for space environment exploration and will carry out systematic monitoring of the Earth’s space environment.
2. Scientific significance
The satellite will conduct long-term monitoring of key parameters such as solar activity, geomagnetic environment, and high-energy particle radiation, providing data support for space weather forecasting, safe operation of spacecraft in orbit, and space science research.
3. On-orbit safety support
The detection data will provide routine data support for the safe operation of all Chinese spacecraft in orbit, playing a key role as a “space-based environmental early warning radar”.
Images and visuals are from their Respectives CMS China Manned SpaceCNSA-China National Space Administration
