Early Tuesday, China successfully launched four more satellites in its ongoing series of internet technology tests. A Long March 2D rocket lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center at 12:00 a.m. (0400 UTC) April 1.
The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST) confirmed the launch's success, identifying the payload as a satellite Internet technology test satellite (wexing hulianwang jishu shiyan weixing). SAST stated the satellites are primarily for testing direct-to-cell satellite broadband and space-ground network integration. They did not release further details or imagery.
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's (MIIT) Radio Management Bureau reported the launch included four satellites, designated 0001-0004, carrying Ka and other frequency band payloads. Changguang Satellite Technology and Galaxy Space, commercial satellite manufacturers and operators, later confirmed their involvement, each providing two of the satellites. However, they offered no additional details.
This marks China's sixth "satellite Internet technology test satellite" launch. Previous missions, employing various launch vehicles and carrying one to three satellites each, have provided only limited information. The China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) is believed to be involved in developing several of these satellites.
While China is already developing the Guowang and Qianfan/Thousand Sails low Earth orbit megaconstellations, these test missions continue. Their purpose might be unrelated, or they could be testing technologies like propulsion, power systems, and phased array antennas for future satellite generations.
China also launched three "high orbit" internet satellites in 2024, operating in geostationary orbit. Similar to the low Earth orbit satellites, information regarding these remains scarce, sparking speculation about potential military or dual-use applications.
This launch, China's 17th orbital launch of 2025, follows the launch of the classified TJS-16 satellite on March 29. With growing commercial activity and megaconstellation projects, China may aim for 100 or more launches in 2025. Future missions include the Shenzhou-20 and 21 human spaceflight missions and the Tianwen-2 asteroid sample return mission.