China achieved a double space launch on September 8th, 2025, successfully deploying a new reconnaissance satellite and adding to a commercial constellation. A Long March 7A rocket launched the Yaogan-45 satellite at 10:00 pm. Eastern, Sept. 8 (0200 UTC, Sept. 9) from Wenchang. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) confirmed the launch's success. CASC described Yaogan-45 as “mainly used for scientific experiments, land resource surveys, crop yield estimates, and disaster prevention and relief work.” However, the Yaogan series is widely considered to encompass China’s military reconnaissance satellites.
This launch marked the first time the Long March 7A was used for a “medium-orbit launch mission,” increasing its capacity to over 8,000 kgs to a medium Earth orbit. Yaogan-45, along with Yaogan-41, stands out for its larger size and higher operational orbit compared to other satellites in the series.
Earlier that day, a Jielong-3 rocket launched 11 satellites for Geely's Geesatcom constellation at 3:48 p.m. Eastern (1948 UTC) Sept. 8 from off the coast of Rizhao City. This launch, witnessed by onshore locals, marked the fifth group of satellites for Geesatcom, bringing the total to 52. One satellite incorporates a test navigation system aiming for centimeter-level precision. Geely's Geespace stated that the constellation is focused on satellite IoT experiments and inter-satellite communication trials. Geespace has partners in over 20 countries, including Azyan Telecom (Oman), ATSS (Saudi Arabia), Soremar (Morocco), ALTEL (Malaysia), and Orbith (Argentina). Their services target "smart cities, intelligent transportation, energy, and marine fisheries to support regional digital economy growth."
The two launches bring China's 2025 orbital launch attempts to 53 and 54, all successful except for an August Zhuque-2E failure. China is on track to exceed its 2024 record of 68 launches. A potential Long March 10 static fire test at Wenchang is anticipated soon.