China Long March 7 Rocket Launch of Communication Satellite in Hainan

China Long March 7 Rocket Launch of Communication Satellite in Hainan

🚀🛰️China has sent another communication technology test satellite into orbit. A modified Long March 7 rocket blasted off from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in south China's Hainan province at 10:10am Beijing Time on June 23, 2026, delivering the Communication Technology Test Satellite 26A (TJSW-26A) into its designated geostationary orbit.

A geostationary orbit is a specific type of orbit where a satellite orbits the Earth at an altitude of approximately 35,786 kilometers (22,236 miles) above the equator. In this orbit, the satellite's orbital period matches the Earth's rotation period of about 23 hours and 56 minutes, allowing it to appear stationary relative to an observer on the ground.

China on Tuesday sent a new communication technology test satellite into the preset orbit via a modified version of the Long March-7 rocket from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in south China's Hainan Province, marking the 653rd mission carried out by the Long March carrier rocket series. 

This satellite will be mainly used for services such as satellite communications, broadcasting and television, and data transmission, as well as for conducting related technology test verifications.

The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology-developed satellite, like the rest of the TJSW fleet deployed in recent years, is set to demonstrate multi-band, high-throughput communications technologies for radio, television, and data transmission.

Image Credit: China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT)

Date: June 23, 2026

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