CASC Archives - SpaceNews

A Long March 3B rocket lifts off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center at night, sending the Tianlian-2 (05) data relay satellite into orbit. Bright flames and smoke billow from the rocket’s base as it ascends past the illuminated launch tower.

Long March 3B launches Tianlian-2 (05) satellite to boost space data relay network

by Andrew Jones April 27, 2025April 27, 2025

China added a new satellite to its geostationary Tianlian data tracking and relay communications satellite series Sunday with its latest launch.

A Long March 8 rocket lifts off from Hainan Commercial Launch Site at night, illuminating the surroundings with bright flames and thick clouds of smoke. The launch pad structure and lightning towers frame the ascending vehicle against the dark sky.

Long March 8 launches Thousand Sails satellites from commercial spaceport

by Andrew Jones March 11, 2025March 11, 2025

A Long March 3B rocket lifts off at night from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, illuminating the surroundings with bright flames and smoke. The rocket is positioned on the launch pad with its structure and scaffolding visible, silhouetted against the dark sky.

China expands secretive satellite series with launch of TJS-15

by Andrew Jones March 9, 2025March 9, 2025

A SAST (Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology) vertical takeoff, vertical landing (VTVL) rocket prototype during a test flight, kicking up dust from the ground. The rocket's engines emit a bright flame, indicating an active and controlled descent. The test was conducted in a desert-like environment under clear skies.

China highlights commercial space sector in government work report

by Andrew Jones March 7, 2025March 7, 2025

A Long March 2C rocket lifts off from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in China, carrying the SuperView Neo-1 03 and 04 remote sensing satellites. The rocket ascends into a clear blue sky, leaving a trail of orange exhaust, with the launch pad and surrounding infrastructure visible in the foreground. The launch tower features Chinese characters indicating the satellite launch center.

China adds to SuperView remote sensing constellation with Long March 2C launch

by Andrew Jones February 27, 2025February 27, 2025

A Long March 3B rocket lifts off from Xichang Satellite Launch Center at night, carrying the ChinaSat-10R communications satellite. The rocket's engines produce a bright orange and yellow flame, illuminating the surrounding launch infrastructure and casting a glow on the smoke and support structures. Tall transmission towers and trees are visible in the foreground.

China launches ChinaSat-10R communications satellite from Xichang

by Andrew Jones February 22, 2025February 22, 2025

A Long March 8A rocket lifts off from Wenchang Satellite Launch Center, producing bright flames and thick smoke. The rocket is surrounded by four lightning towers, with a launch pad structure partially visible in the background. The sky appears overcast, adding contrast to the fiery exhaust plume.

First launch of Long March 8A sends second group of Guowang megaconstellation satellites into orbit

by Andrew Jones February 11, 2025February 12, 2025

A Long March 6A rocket climbs above the launch tower at Taiyuan amid plumes of exhaust and a blue sky backdrop.

China launches fourth batch of Thousand Sails megaconstellation satellites

by Andrew Jones January 23, 2025January 23, 2025

A SAST (Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology) vertical takeoff, vertical landing (VTVL) rocket prototype during a test flight, kicking up dust from the ground. The rocket's engines emit a bright flame, indicating an active and controlled descent. The test was conducted in a desert-like environment under clear skies.

China performs high altitude reusable rocket test with uncertain outcome

by Andrew Jones January 20, 2025January 20, 2025

A Long March 2D rocket launches from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert under clear blue skies. The rocket emits bright orange exhaust as it ascends, with insulation tiles visibly detaching. The launch pad and surrounding sparse vegetation are captured in the foreground.

China launches Earth observation satellite for Pakistan

by Andrew Jones January 17, 2025January 17, 2025