China Long March 7 Rocket Launches Tianlian-3 Communications Satellite in Hainan
The Tianlian-3-01 communications and data relay satellite will serve China's Tiangong Space Station and visiting spacecraft. The new relay is the first of the third-generation. It will boost throughput between the orbiting laboratory and Earth-based ground stations while further reducing communications dead zones.
In charge of developing the new generation communications series and its first satellite is the China Academy of Space Technology. Tianlian-3-01 required a Long March 7A since it made use of the Dongfanghong-4E satellite bus that can weigh about 6,000 kilograms. Advantages of using that bus are up to 10 kilowatts of usable power, from 13.5 kilowatts generated, for communication systems, improved multi-user parallel transmission capabilities, and a fifteen-year usable lifespan.
Tianlian-3-01 is the twelfth relay satellite launched in support of the orbiting laboratory. Between April 2008 and July 2021, five first-generation satellites were deployed, followed by six second-generation ones between March 2019 and July 23, 2026.
Four Long March 7 missions have taken place this year so far with a fifth under preparation to fly next month. The frequency of these missions is being supported by a second vehicle assembly building and another mobile launch platform dedicated to this launch vehicle in Hainan.
Today’s mission was the 17th launch of a Long March 7A vehicle, the 28th launch of the Long March 7 series, and the 659th launch of the Long March launch vehicle series. This was also the 52nd launch from China in 2026.
Text Credit: Jack C.
Date: July 29, 2026
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