China Launches Communications Technology Test Satellite 25 Aboard Long March 5
Summary: On June 11, 2026, at 15:30 local time, China successfully launched the Communications Technology Test Satellite 25 from the Wenchang Space Launch Site aboard a Long March 5 rocket, using a 5.2m-diameter, 18.5m-long payload fairing.
On June 11, 2026, at 15:30 Beijing time, China successfully launched the Communications Technology Test Satellite 25 (TJS-25) from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan Province, using a Long March 5 (CZ-5) launch vehicle. According to initial reports, the satellite successfully reached its preset orbit and the launch mission was declared a complete success. The satellite's subsystems are operating normally, with ground-based telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) stations continuing to monitor the spacecraft.
A notable technical feature of this mission is the use of a large payload fairing measuring 5.2 meters in diameter and 18.5 meters in length. Reportedly, this fairing configuration is one of the standard options for the Long March 5 family and is designed to accommodate large-volume payloads. The selection of this particular fairing for the mission suggests that the TJS-25 satellite platform is relatively sizable. As one of China's most capable operational launch vehicles, the Long March 5 has a low Earth orbit (LEO) payload capacity of approximately 25 metric tons, making it well-suited for large satellite deployment missions.
The "Communications Technology Test Satellite" (TJS / 通信技术试验卫星) series serves as a key on-orbit platform for China to validate emerging communications technologies. These satellites are typically used to perform in-orbit experiments on advanced communications techniques, including Ka-band communications, laser communications, and broadband data transmission — providing engineering data to inform the development and upgrading of next-generation operational communications satellites. According to publicly available records, the TJS series has repeatedly carried out flight-verification missions for novel communications payloads. TJS-25 represents another addition to this in-orbit test series, with the results of its technology demonstrations expected to be released via subsequent official announcements.