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China launches Tianlian III-01 relay satellite
China launched the Tianlian III-01 relay satellite on a Long March-7A, marking Wenchang’s 50th launch since operations began in 2016.
Image: iXBT
China launched the Tianlian III-01 communications relay satellite on July 30, 2026, using a Long March-7A rocket from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on Hainan Island. Liftoff took place at 19:50 local time, and the spacecraft reached its designated orbit.
Photo: Xinhua
Developed by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), Tianlian III-01 will relay data and provide telemetry, tracking, and control services for China’s crewed spacecraft, orbital laboratories, and space stations. It will also support Earth-observation satellites operating in medium and low Earth orbits.
The launch was the 659th mission for the Long March rocket family and the 50th launch from Wenchang, which has been in operation since 2016. The source does not provide the satellite’s mass, orbital parameters, or an expected operational date.
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via iXBT
