China executed a double launch, sending an experimental spacecraft into geosynchronous orbit and three additional satellites into polar orbits. A Long March 3C rocket, uniquely employing a YZ-1 upper stage, lifted off at 10:34 p.m. Eastern Sept. 4 (0234 UTC Sept. 5) from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation declared the mission a success, placing the Shiyan-29 satellite in its intended orbit.
The Shiyan-29 satellite, developed by the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IAMCAS), utilizes the SECM3000 high-reliability platform. IAMCAS described it as “mainly used for space environment detection and related technology experiments.” Analysts suggest Shiyan satellites test new technologies, potentially acting as precursors to operational platforms.
Hours later, Galactic Energy launched its Ceres-1 rocket, carrying the Kaiyun-1, Yuxing-3 (08), and Yunyao-1 (27) satellites, along with an experimental platform. Kaiyun-1, a space situational awareness satellite, is a "traffic monitoring system" for satellite collision warning and debris management. Yuxing-3 (08) tests new temperature-variable materials, and Yunyao-1 (27) contributes to a global weather data constellation. The on-orbit platform offers testing services for new technologies.
Separately, Landspace concluded its investigation into the August 14 failure of its Zhuque-2E rocket. The failure stemmed from an arcing short circuit in the second stage’s 450V DC actuator power bus. Landspace is preparing for a test launch of its Zhuque-3 rocket.