Long March 3B 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 3B rocket lifts off from Xichang Satellite Launch Center at night, illuminating the launch pad with bright orange exhaust flames during the launch of the classified TJS-17 satellite on April 10, 2025.

China launches TJS-17, expanding classified geostationary satellite series

by Andrew Jones April 10, 2025April 10, 2025

A Long March 3B rocket lifts off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center at night, sending the Tianlian-2 (04) data relay satellite into orbit. Bright flames and smoke billow from the rocket’s base as it ascends past the illuminated launch tower.

China launches new Tianlian data relay satellite to support human spaceflight

by Andrew Jones March 26, 2025March 26, 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 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

Nighttime rocket launch of China's TJS-14 satellite aboard a Long March 3B vehicle from Xichang Satellite Launch Center, with bright flames and smoke illuminating the dark sky, January 23, 2025.

China launches classified TJS-14 satellite towards geostationary belt

by Andrew Jones January 23, 2025January 23, 2025

Nighttime launch of the Long March 3B rocket carrying the Shijian-25 satellite, illuminating the surroundings at Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

China launches Shijian-25 satellite to test on-orbit refueling and mission extension technologies

by Andrew Jones January 6, 2025January 6, 2025

A Long March 3B rocket lifts off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in a verdant, mountainous region, leaving a trail of smoke, marking its 100th flight and carrying the TJS-13 satellite into orbit.

China launches clandestine TJS-13 satellite, rocket reaches milestone

by Andrew Jones December 3, 2024December 3, 2024

China launches third high orbit internet satellite

by Andrew Jones October 10, 2024October 10, 2024

A Long March 3B lifts off from Xichang carrying the 59th and 60th Beidou navigation satellites into orbit, Sept. 19 (UTC), 2024.

China launches final pair of backup Beidou satellites

by Andrew Jones September 19, 2024September 19, 2024