China launched what appears to be the third in a series of classified, experimental satellites into geostationary orbit on April 10, 2025. A Long March 3B rocket lifted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST) confirmed the launch success, identifying the payload as communication technology experiment Satellite-15, or Tongxin Jishu Shiyan-17 (TJS-17).
SAST, the satellite's developer, described TJS-17 as being “mainly used to carry out multi-band, high-speed satellite communication technology verification.” However, consistent with previous TJS launches, neither images nor technical details were released. Western analysts view the TJS series, primarily operating in geostationary orbit (GEO), as potentially performing classified missions, including signals intelligence, early warning, and satellite inspection activities in support of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
This launch follows the March 9 launch of TJS-15 and the March 29 launch of TJS-16. All three satellites were developed by SAST. The TJS-17 mission patch depicts the King of the North, one of the Four Heavenly Kings in Buddhist mythology, suggesting a potential future launch to complete the set (TJS-15 and TJS-16 depicted the Kings of the West and East, respectively).
China's increased space activity is noteworthy, with a projected 100 or more launches planned for 2025, driven by commercial ventures, megaconstellation projects, and new launcher developments. The TJS-17 mission was China’s 19th orbital launch of 2025.