China initiated another experimental satellite launch, while the inaugural flight of the commercial Zhuque-3 faces delays. A Long March 7A rocket took off at 7:20 a.m. Eastern (1220 UTC) on Nov. 30 from Wenchang Satellite Launch Center. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) confirmed the successful deployment of Shijian-28 into its designated orbit approximately an hour post-launch.
CASC reported that the satellite was developed by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), but provided limited details. "Shijian satellite launches are often accompanied only by a terse description of the purposes of the spacecraft, such as being intended for scientific experiments, space environment monitoring or technology tests," CASC stated. Neither CASC nor state media provided any description of the satellite.
The Shijian program includes diverse satellites for conducting experiments and testing new technologies. Orbital data for Shijian-28 may offer insights into its mission. Previously, Shijian-21 and Shijian-25 separated in geosynchronous orbit after apparent docking for on-orbit refueling tests.
The Long March 7A, typically used for launches to geosynchronous orbit, has increased its flight frequency in 2025. CASC highlights the use of a new mobile launch platform for the Shijian-28 launch, reducing the launch campaign duration from 35 to 19 days.
This rise in Long March 7A launches occurs as China seemingly decreases the proportional use of its older Long March 2, 3, and 4 series rockets. Despite this shift, the Long March 3B remains active for geosynchronous orbit launches, indicating China's growing interest in geostationary orbit.
The Shijian-28 launch marked China’s 76th orbital launch attempt in 2025, following the emergency response launch for Tiangong, sending the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft to the space station on Nov. 25.
Initially planned before Shijian-28, the first Chinese orbital launch and booster recovery attempt with the commercial Landspace Zhuque-3 was postponed indefinitely. "Commercial firm Landspace appeared set for a test launch of its stainless steel, reusable medium-lift Zhuque-3 launcher," said Chinese media reports. Airspace closure notices for the test flight were removed without new notices issued.
Landspace’s Zhuque-3 is a two-stage, stainless steel rocket, approximately 66 meters tall, powered by nine Tianque-12A engines. Landspace built a landing site for the first stage, located roughly 390 kilometers from Jiuquan.
CASC is preparing its new reusable Long March 12A at Jiuquan, potentially making China’s first orbital launch and landing attempt in December. The operational Zhuque-3 aims for a LEO payload capacity of 21,000 kg (expendable) or 18,300 kg (first stage recovered), comparable to the Falcon 9. Early flights may have lower capacity.
The delay coincides with new policies affecting the commercial space sector. The China National Space Administration (CNSA) established a new department to oversee this sector and announced an action plan to integrate it into the national space development plan.