Issue 134

China Launches TJS-21: Heading to HEO?

21 Nov 2025: China launched a LM-3B with the TJS-21 satellite from the Xichang. According to official sources, the satellite entered the planned orbit successfully and “will be mainly used for satellite communication, radio and television, data transmission and other services, as well as for conducting related…

21 Nov 2025: China launched a LM-3B with the TJS-21 satellite from the Xichang. According to official sources, the satellite entered the planned orbit successfully and “will be mainly used for satellite communication, radio and television, data transmission and other services, as well as for conducting related technical tests and verifications.” Per (the most awesome) Jonathan McDowell’s post, “TJS 21 cataloged in 51° elliptical transfer orbit and is likely heading to a Molniya orbit.” If this proves to be the case look for TJS-21 to synchronize its orbit with SY-10 02 (54878, launched in 2022) which is also in a Molniya (or Highly Elliptical Orbit ). In addition to SY-10 02, China has 2 other satellites in HEO: SY-10 01 (49258, launched in 2021) and TJS-13 (62188, launched in 2024). All of China’s HEO satellites launched on LM-3Bs from Xichang. China synchronized the orbits of TJS-13 and SY-10 01 so that both reach their apogee over the northern hemisphere at about the same time. If China does the same for TJS-21 and SY-10 02 this will provide them continuous dual satellite coverage of the Northern Hemisphere. Simultaneous missile tracking by multiple satellites provides for greater accuracy and confidence levels when performing the missile warning mission. More to follow as China maneuvers TJS-21 into its operational orbit. See previous Flash for additional background. Launch Video.