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Issue 118

07 Flash · Integrity Flash 2025 · Members Only

China Launches Internet Test Satellites

1 Apr: China launched a Long March-2D with 4 “Satellite Internet Technology Test Satellites” (63428-63431) from Jiuquan. For the first time, the Long March-2D launch vehicle used a 3.8-meter composite payload fairing. According to official sources, the satellite entered the planned orbit successfully and is “primarily…

Author Greg Gillinger Published April 7, 2025

1 Apr: China launched a Long March-2D with 4 “Satellite Internet Technology Test Satellites” (63428-63431) from Jiuquan. For the first time, the Long March-2D launch vehicle used a 3.8-meter composite payload fairing. According to official sources, the satellite entered the planned orbit successfully and is “primarily used to conduct technical verification and experiments, including mobile-to-satellite broadband connections and the integration of space-ground networks”. Launch Video.

– With this launch there are now 9 Hulianwang Jishu Shiyan (satellite Internet technology test) satellites on orbit.

– All 4 satellites are co-planar with an average altitude of 450km and an inclination of 55°.

  • Per Chinese social media, two of the satellites were manufactured by Galaxy Space and the other two were from the Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co.
  • Previous test satellites of this family are operating at over 1,100km average altitude. They are divided into two additional orbital planes with two satellites inclined at 86.5° and three inclined at 50°. (see graphic).

– Per Andrew Jones:

  • “China is already pressing ahead with two low Earth orbit megaconstellations, Guowang and Qianfan/Thousand Sails, yet the satellite Internet technology test satellite missions are continuing. These could be unrelated, or be pathfinders for new generations of satellites for these projects, and test systems such as propulsion, power, thermal control and phased array antennas.”
  • “China launched three separate “high orbit” internet satellites across three launches in 2024, with the satellites operating in geostationary orbit. As with the low Earth orbit satellites, little is known about the spacecraft. The lack of publicly available information raises speculation about its potential uses, which observers speculate could include military or dual-use applications.”