On March 9th, 2025, China launched Satellite-15, also known as Tongxin Jishu Shiyan-15 (TJS-15), into geosynchronous transfer orbit. The launch, using a Long March 3B rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, was announced by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) as a success. While the launch was anticipated, the payload remained undisclosed until after liftoff.
CASC's statement described TJS-15 as a communication technology experiment satellite designed for “multi-band, high-speed satellite communication technology verification.” However, the lack of detailed information mirrors previous TJS missions, fueling speculation among Western analysts. The TJS series, primarily operating in geostationary orbit (GEO), is suspected of undertaking classified missions, potentially involving signals intelligence, early warning systems, and satellite inspection activities for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
With TJS-15, there are now 14 active satellites in the TJS series. The placement of previous satellites, such as TJS-14 in GEO at 18.3 degrees East and TJS-13 in a Molniya-like orbit, highlights the series’ diverse operational profiles. The use of highly elliptical orbits, as seen with TJS-13, allows for near-constant surveillance of high latitudes, potentially enabling communications and early warning capabilities.
Previous missions, like TJS-3's deployment of a maneuvering subsatellite and subsequent close approaches to U.S. satellites, further add to the intrigue surrounding the program's true nature. This launch marked China's 10th orbital launch attempt of 2025, with further launches, including the Long March 8, planned for the near future. However, CASC's delay in releasing its annual “blue book” detailing yearly launch targets leaves the overall number of planned launches for 2025 unclear.
China's broader space ambitions for 2025 include the debut of new commercial rockets, the Tianwen-2 asteroid sample return mission, and crewed missions to the Tiangong space station (Shenzhou-20 and -21).