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On June 23, 2026, the Yunnan Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources Exploration and Development, Yunnan Geological and Mineral Resources Group Co., Ltd., and Tianyi Space Technology Co., Ltd. held a grand launch ceremony in Weihai for the “Caiyun SAR01” satellite (Tianyi 51 satellite), sending off the satellite transport convoy to the launch site. The satellite is scheduled to launch soon.
“Caiyun SAR01” satellite, jointly developed by the Yunnan Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources Exploration and Development, Yunnan Geological and Mineral Resources Group, and Tianyi Space, is a high-resolution, wide-swath synthetic aperture radar satellite designed entirely with the operational needs of InSAR (Inductively Coupled Aperture Radar Interferometry) in mind. This satellite can conduct high-frequency InSAR re-orbit observations, significantly improving the early identification and emergency monitoring capabilities of geological disasters.
The “Caiyun SAR01” satellite possesses all-weather, all-day imaging capabilities, unaffected by clouds, rain, dense fog, or nighttime lighting conditions, effectively filling the optical remote sensing monitoring blind spot in Yunnan during the long six-month rainy season. This satellite will comprehensively support key tasks such as geological disaster prevention and control in the complex terrain of Southwest China, safety monitoring of major infrastructure, dynamic supervision of mines, emergency rescue for floods and earthquakes, and routine surveys of natural resources along the border. Relying on its high-quality SAR data, Yunnan Province will construct a complete technical system encompassing satellite on-orbit operation, payload imaging acquisition, InSAR professional data processing, and in-depth industry applications, stably generating millimeter-level, high-confidence surface deformation monitoring products. This will propel the province’s remote sensing applications from traditional optical methods of “clearly seeing surface morphology” to a new stage where InSAR technology can “accurately detect underground deformation, quickly respond to disaster risks, and effectively support decision-making.”
After its launch, the “Caiyun SAR01” satellite will significantly increase the observation coverage density in Yunnan and surrounding low-latitude regions, achieving full coverage of the entire province and daily revisits to key areas. This will provide a sufficient high-quality data foundation for InSAR time-series deformation monitoring, greatly improving monitoring accuracy and continuity, and precisely matching Yunnan’s urgent needs for disaster prevention and mitigation. Once operational, the satellite will provide strong technical support for timely understanding of surface deformation dynamics and accurate geological disaster prevention work, effectively safeguarding the lives and property of the people of the province.
[First Satellite Launched for China’s First Commercial Space Debris Monitoring Constellation – LX630 – Scheduled for July Launch!]
On June 16th, the launch ceremony for the first satellite of China’s first commercial space debris monitoring constellation – the LX630 – was held in Liangxi. According to the plan, the first satellite of the LX630 constellation will be launched in July this year.
The first phase of the constellation plans to deploy 14 satellites, each carrying a high-sensitivity detection camera. The first satellite is scheduled to be launched into orbit soon, and the entire constellation system is expected to be fully completed and operational by 2027.
On June 16, the launch ceremony for the first satellite of China’s first dedicated constellation for commercial space debris monitoring, the LX630 constellation, was held in Liangxi.
Cao Jinbin, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Dean of the School of Space Environment at Beihang University; Luo Ge, Chairman of the China Association for Remote Sensing Applications and Academician of the International Academy of Astronautics; Shen Xuhui, Academician of the International Academy of Astronautics; and experts and representatives from universities and research institutes such as Nanjing University, Beihang University, Jiangnan University, Southeast University, Shanghai Astronomical Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China Academy of Space Technology, and China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, as well as heads of commercial aerospace companies, gathered together to witness this important moment.
Zhou Zichuan, Secretary of the District Party Committee and District Mayor, and Secretary of the Party Committee and Director of the Wuxi Liangxi Science and Technology City Administration Bureau, presented the flag to the first satellite test team. Chen Hanjie, Xin Le, and Huang Li, leaders of Liangxi District and Liangxi Science and Technology City, participated in the event.
With the rapid development of commercial spaceflight and the dense networking of mega-constellations, the number of on-orbit space targets and space debris continues to rise. Against this backdrop, accelerating the construction of a high-precision, intelligent space target perception system is not only a crucial step in bringing cutting-edge technologies into engineering practice, but also an important guarantee for safeguarding space assets and achieving the sustainable use of orbital resources.
As a domestic commercial aerospace company focusing on the research and development of space propulsion systems and space situational awareness services , Aerospace Technology has been working closely with Liangxi Aerospace Technology Group since it settled in Liangxi in 2024 to jointly promote the construction of the LX630 constellation .
The constellation aims to provide on-orbit safety and data application services for spacecraft, enabling high-efficiency revisit coverage across the entire sky, rapid identification of key targets, effective detection of small space debris, ensuring the efficient and safe operation of commercial mega-constellations, supporting collaborative management of space traffic, and serving national space strategic security.
The first phase of the constellation plan includes 14 satellites , each equipped with a high-sensitivity detection camera. The first satellite is scheduled to be launched into orbit soon, and the entire constellation system is expected to be fully completed and operational by 2027. In the future, it will leverage strategic industry partnerships to build a ubiquitous sensing network of thousands of space-based sensors , ultimately establishing a comprehensive, all-weather, and high-precision space sensing system, truly achieving an integrated service capability of “seeing clearly, seeing far, and seeing precisely” space targets .
During the event, the Aotian Xunyu Operations Headquarters Base was officially handed over. As a subsidiary jointly established by Aotian Technology and Liangxi Aerospace Technology Group, Aotian Xunyu is committed to providing space orbital safety services, realizing comprehensive space environment monitoring, multi-dimensional situational awareness of space objects, and scenario services for the safe and efficient operation of spacecraft orbits. After the base is put into operation, it will fully support the company’s scientific research and business expansion, focusing on the needs of space debris monitoring and management, and providing integrated space-ground engineering solutions for domestic and foreign customers.
The three industry-education integration talent training bases unveiled at the same time will rely on the resources of universities such as Nanjing University, Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and Jiangnan University to deepen the integration of industry and education, cultivate professional talents in the field of spatial target perception, and gather a powerful synergy for collaborative innovation among government, industry, academia, research and application.
At the event, Aotian Technology launched a series of new situational awareness data products, including the “Tianjing” space target full-domain perception system, the “Tianxun” space traffic service platform, and the “Tiandun” space threat early warning system. These products will provide strong technical support and optimize data services for the industry from various aspects.
Aotianxunyu, Southeast University, Jiangnan University, Huanyu Satellite, Galaxy Aerospace, MicroNano Space, Guoxing Aerospace and other units jointly signed an agreement to form a space target intelligent perception innovation consortium and build an industrial community with resource sharing and win-win cooperation.
The “Soaring Towards the Future” science popularization campaign was also launched at the event, aiming to promote aerospace knowledge to the general public.
From satellite launch to consortium formation, from base delivery to platform unveiling, from product release to public welfare launch… This event comprehensively showcased the strong vitality of Liangxi’s commercial aerospace industry and directly demonstrated that Liangxi’s aerospace industry has steadily entered a new stage of full-area ecological operation, moving beyond project attraction and park development.
As one of the first pilot areas for the clustered development of future industries in Jiangsu Province, Liangxi has achieved remarkable results in the clustered development of the commercial aerospace industry in just a few years. It has now gathered 110 leading enterprises and established a complete industrial chain that integrates rockets, ships, satellites, and networks, integrates communication, navigation, telemetry, and computing, and covers high, medium, and low orbits.
The vast galaxy is the future. With the rapid formation of a distinctive aerospace industry cluster encompassing core power manufacturing, satellite system integration, constellation operation and management, and data application services, we believe that more exciting moments will unfold in Liangxi, and more first rockets and satellites will soar from Liangxi into the vast universe.
Xiandeng Aerospace, legally known as Shenzhen Xiandeng Aerospace Technology Co., Ltd. (also trading as Ascendx), is an emerging Chinese commercial space launch company based in Shenzhen, China, People’s Republic of China.
Xiandeng operates within the rapidly growing ecosystem of Chinese private space companies looking to commercialize orbital launches and compete in the broader market for low-Earth orbit payload deliver. Building special rockets designed specifically for 100- to 500-kilogram class small satellites. It also specializes in precision-engineered ground infrastructure such as mobile launch platforms, control systems, and integrated support module Founded in 2024 by Ge Minghe—a former executive at Landspace—the startup focuses on developing medium-lift, reusable rocket technology: Planning the development of a 1.5-stage reusable launch vehicle.
[The XD-3 rocket is scheduled for its maiden flight between the fourth quarter of 2027 and the first quarter of 2028, and will enter commercial operation in 2028.]
Recently, Shenzhen Xiandeng Aerospace Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Xiandeng Aerospace”) officially put its dedicated rocket assembly and testing facility at the Haiyang Maritime Commercial Space Launch Site in Shandong Province into operation. The company’s core product, the XD-3 small liquid-fueled launch vehicle, has completed its design and assembly work. These two milestones mark significant progress for Xiandeng Aerospace in rocket engineering development, laying a solid foundation for the maiden flight of the XD-3 launch vehicle in 2027.
The assembly and testing facility is located at the Oriental Spaceport .
The Oriental Spaceport, located in Haiyang City, Shandong Province, is China’s first maritime commercial space launch site. Leveraging its unique geographical advantages and comprehensive port facilities, it has become a strategic location for domestic commercial aerospace companies. Xiandeng Aerospace has a 3,000-square-meter dedicated assembly and testing facility there, capable of meeting the full-process needs of rocket assembly, integration testing, and launch erection, providing comprehensive launch support for the XD-3’s maiden flight in 2027.
The commissioning of the factory signifies that Xiandeng Aerospace now possesses independent rocket assembly and testing capabilities. Equipped with advanced lifting equipment and precision measurement systems, the factory can support the entire development process, from segment assembly to full rocket assembly, and from single-unit testing to system integration testing.
The
XD-3 prototype rocket, designed to a 1:1 scale with a real flight rocket, uses low-cost, full-size equivalent test pieces to proactively identify and resolve potential problems in assembly, interface matching, and cable laying, verifying the coordination and compatibility of all rocket system interfaces and launch support systems. The XD-3 prototype rocket’s
design and assembly were driven by both material innovation and process optimization. The completion of the prototype rocket provides multiple support for Xiandeng Aerospace’s subsequent development work:
● Design verification closed loop : From digital model to physical structure, the entire chain of design-manufacturing-assembly verification is completed, ensuring the engineering feasibility of the design scheme.
● Process system finalization : Through assembly practice, standardized process specifications for segmented connection, pipeline and cable laying, etc., have been formed, which can be directly transferred and applied to the final assembly of the flight rocket.
● Team Capability Building: The team’s practical experience accumulated in key areas such as material substitution, process breakthroughs, and precision control provides core technological capabilities for subsequent rocket development.
● Risk Control Prioritized: Before the rocket enters production, technical risks such as interface incompatibility, process infeasibility, equipment interference, erection, and transportation are mitigated in advance, avoiding rework of the final product and ensuring development milestones are met.
The completion of the XD-3 prototype rocket signifies that design risks have been fully released and engineering risks are controllable, laying a solid foundation for the 2027 first flight timeline.
XD-3 Launch Vehicle Main Technical Parameters:
The XD-3 is a small liquid-fueled launch vehicle independently developed by Xiandeng Aerospace. It adopts a two-stage orbital insertion configuration, with two liquid oxygen/kerosene engines in the first stage and one liquid oxygen/kerosene engine in the second stage. The rocket body has a diameter of 2.9 meters, a takeoff mass of 195 tons, and possesses rapid response launch capabilities. This rocket is precisely positioned in the 1.5-2.0 ton “golden” payload capacity range, targeting the needs of small satellite constellation deployment and medium-to-large satellite resupply, filling the gap in domestic liquid rockets of this payload capacity. The single-engine BOM cost is expected to decrease by more than 30% compared to existing mature solutions. Its 500 km SSO orbit payload capacity reaches 2.2 tons, employing a mature subsystem design and prioritizing reliability.
With its maiden flight imminent in 2027, commercial operation is poised to begin.
According to the development plan, the XD-3 rocket will achieve its maiden flight between the fourth quarter of 2027 and the first quarter of 2028, entering the commercial operation phase in 2028. Currently, related products for avionics, structure, and launch support systems will be delivered successively in the second half of 2026. The commissioning of the Haiyang assembly and testing plant and the completion of the assembly of the prototype test rocket are important milestones in the development of Xiandeng Aerospace, marking the imminent transition of the XD-3 rocket from the design phase to the engineering implementation phase. As the 2027 maiden flight target draws ever closer, the company will continue to steadily advance all development work to ensure the complete success of the maiden flight mission .
On CNSA –China National Space Administration …. ChangZheng Long March 7A Wenchang, Hainan Province, China, People’s Republic of China, The Long March 7A Y20 carrier rocket At 10:10 AM Beijing time on June 23, 2026, China successfully launched the Communication Technology Test Satellite 26A into space using a Long March-7A carrier rocket from the Wenchang Space Launch Site. The satellite successfully entered its predetermined orbit, and the launch mission was a complete success. This satellite will primarily be used for satellite communication, broadcasting, data transmission, and other services, and will conduct related technology tests ..
The Long March 7A rocket has entered a phase of higher-density launches!
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At 10:10 Beijing time on June 23, 2026, the Long March 7A Y20 carrier rocket was launched from launch pad 201 at the Wenchang Space Launch Site in China, and subsequently sent the Communication Technology Experiment Satellite 26A into its predetermined geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO).
The Communication Technology Experiment Satellite 26A is a large high-orbit communication satellite developed by the Eighth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. It carries payloads such as a laser subsystem and is mainly used for satellite communication, broadcasting and television, data transmission and other services, as well as to carry out related technology experiments
The Long March 7A is a medium-lift cryogenic liquid-fueled launch vehicle developed by the First Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). It is primarily used for launching missions into medium and high Earth orbit. Based on the Long March 7, it incorporates a hydrogen-oxygen final stage from the Long March 3A series, forming a three-and-a-half-stage high-orbit rocket..
The Long March 7A rocket is 60.13 meters tall (with a standard 4.2-meter diameter fairing), its core stage has a maximum diameter of 3.35 meters, a liftoff mass of approximately 570 tons, a lift-off thrust of 727 tons, a thrust-to-weight ratio of approximately 1.28, a geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) payload capacity of no less than 7 tons, and a payload factor of approximately 1.23%. This mission’s rocket is equipped with a standard 4.2-meter diameter fairing.
This mission incorporated relevant quality and safety regulations and special quality rectification documents, and developed a special plan for launch site quality control. The quality management team moved the comprehensive quality review before model delivery to the quality acceptance stage, strengthening requirements such as the implementation of technical status, controlled process quality, and on-site physical confirmation. Launch site quality management focused on the closed-loop implementation of changes in technical status, strictly controlling 46 launch site quality work items, and implementing “pre-analysis” and “post-event review” for key operational items, with rigorous benchmarking and review.
In this mission, the Long March 7A rocket’s professional test and launch team (launch team) was fully deployed for the first time, transitioning to a professional test and launch mode. This further promotes the standardization of launch site test and launch procedures, the professionalization of operational teams, and the standardization of mission management, better meeting the demands of high-density launches. Currently, the Long March 7A rocket’s technical status, test and launch procedures, and management system are mature and stable, and the launch site process has been optimized from the initial 35 days to 19 days.
Starting with this mission, the Long March 7A rocket has entered a phase of higher-frequency launches this year. Currently, the Wenchang Space Launch Site can support 12 launch missions per year for the Long March 7 series carrier rockets, with the Long March 7 itself requiring 1 to 2 launches annually. In 2025, the Long March 7A carrier rocket carried out 6 launch missions.
This mission marks the second launch of the Long March 7A carrier rocket in 2026, the fourth launch from the Wenchang Space Launch Site, the 44th launch for China, and the 149th launch worldwide. It also represents the 16th launch of the Long March 7A carrier rocket, the 27th launch of the Long March 7 series carrier rockets, and the 653rd launch of the Long March series carrier rockets.
On CNSA –China National Space Administration …. ChangZheng Long March 7A Wenchang, Hainan Province, China, People’s Republic of China, The Long March 7A Y20 carrier rocket At 10:10 AM Beijing time on June 23, 2026, China successfully launched the Communication Technology Test Satellite 26A into space using a Long March-7A carrier rocket from the Wenchang Space Launch Site. The satellite successfully entered its predetermined orbit, and the launch mission was a complete success. This satellite will primarily be used for satellite communication, broadcasting, data transmission, and other services, and will conduct related technology tests ..
The Communication Technology Test Satellite 26A was developed by the Eighth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) and is mainly used for satellite communication, broadcasting, data transmission, and related technology testing and verification. The Long March 7A rocket, developed by the First Academy of CASC, is China’s new generation of medium-lift, high-orbit liquid-fueled carrier rocket. This launch was the 653rd
On June 23, 2026, the Long March 7A carrier rocket successfully launched the Communication Technology Experiment Satellite 26A into its predetermined orbit, marking another step forward for my country in the field of high-orbit communication satellite launches.
Launch time: 10:10 AM on June 23, 2026
Launch site: Wenchang Space Launch Site
Mission outcome: The satellite successfully entered its predetermined orbit, and the launch mission was a complete success.
Satellite applications: Primarily used for satellite communications, broadcasting, data transmission, and related technology testing and verification.
Significance of the rocket: This mission marks the 653rd flight of the Long March series carrier rockets.
I. Basic Facts of the Launch
Launch time: 10:10 AM Beijing time on June 23, 20261
Launch site: Wenchang Space Launch Site, Hainan
Launch vehicle: Long March 7A launch vehicle (also known as Long March 7A/Long March 7A)
Satellite Name: Communication Technology Experimental Satellite 26A
Mission outcome: The satellite successfully entered its predetermined orbit, and the launch mission was a complete success.
II. Rocket Information
The Long March 7A rocket, developed by the First Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, is my country’s new generation of medium-sized high-orbit liquid-fueled launch vehicle.
It can be fitted with both 4.2-meter and 3.7-meter diameter fairings, and is capable of launching one satellite or two satellites at a time.
In this mission, the professional launch and test team was fully deployed for the first time, and the launch team transitioned to a professional launch and test mode, promoting the standardization of launch and test procedures, the professionalization of the operational team, and the standardization of mission management.
The launch site process has been optimized from the initial 35 days to 19 days.
This is the second launch of the Long March 7A rocket in 2026, marking the beginning of a high-frequency, fast-paced launch schedule for this model this year.
III. Satellite Information
The satellite was developed under the overall leadership of the Eighth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
It is mainly used for satellite communication, broadcasting, data transmission and other services, and for conducting related technical tests and verifications.
IV. Launch Mission Background
This launch marks the 653rd flight of the Long March series carrier rockets.
This is China’s 44th space launch mission in 2026.
This launch marks the first time the Long March 7A rocket has performed a GTO mission during the day, and its third daytime flight mission overall.
