China Launches New Internet Technology Test Satellite

China successfully launched a new test satellite designed to advance internet technology into space from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in the south-western province of Sichuan on Sunday.

The launch took place at 02:07 Beijing Time. A Long March-2D carrier rocket carried the satellite into space, and the spacecraft successfully entered its preset orbit. The mission marked another step in China’s ongoing efforts to test and verify emerging space-based communications technologies.

Satellite Enters Preset Orbit Successfully

The satellite reached its designated orbit following launch from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre. According to mission details, the spacecraft completed its initial deployment as planned.

The successful insertion into orbit confirmed the performance of both the launch vehicle and the satellite during the early stages of the mission. As a result, the satellite is now positioned to begin a series of technology tests and verification activities in space.

Focus on Broadband Connectivity Technology

The satellite will primarily support technology testing and verification programmes related to internet communications. In particular, the mission will examine direct satellite-to-phone broadband connectivity.

This capability aims to enable broadband communication links directly between satellites and mobile devices. Consequently, the tests will provide valuable data on the performance and reliability of such connections under operational conditions.

In addition, the satellite will support experiments involving space-ground network integration. These activities will evaluate how space-based systems can work more effectively with networks on the ground. Therefore, the mission is expected to contribute to the development and validation of advanced communications infrastructure.

Long March Programme Reaches New Milestone

The mission was carried out using a Long March-2D carrier rocket, one of the launch vehicles in China’s Long March rocket family.

Furthermore, the launch represented another milestone for the country’s space programme. Sunday’s mission was the 646th flight of the Long March series carrier rockets.

The achievement highlights the continued use of the Long March launch system for a wide range of space missions. Meanwhile, the latest satellite will focus on testing key technologies linked to broadband communications and network integration between space and Earth-based systems.

With inputs from Reuters