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Issue 144

06 Constellation Update · China · LEO

China Launches More Guowang Test Satellites

24 Apr 2026: China launched a Long March-2D with four “Satellite Internet Technology Test Satellites” (68831-68834) from Xichang. According to official sources, the satellites entered their preset orbits successfully. This launch closely resembles a previous of Guowang Test satellites from 1 April 2025 (63429-63431) and is likely related to China SatNet’s plans to develop/implement an “inner shell” of communication satellites. These test satellites are orbiting ab about ½ the average altitude of operational Guowang satellites. Launch Video .

Author Greg Gillinger Published May 4, 2026

24 Apr 2026: China launched a Long March-2D with four “Satellite Internet Technology Test Satellites” (68831-68834) from Xichang. According to official sources, the satellites entered their preset orbits successfully. This launch closely resembles a previous of Guowang Test satellites from 1 April 2025 (63429-63431) and is likely related to China SatNet’s plans to develop/implement an “inner shell” of communication satellites. These test satellites are orbiting ab about ½ the average altitude of operational Guowang satellites. Launch Video.

– 68831-34 are co-planar with equal RAAN and Inclination (55.0°). There is a slight SMA variance between all 4 satellites (505.4-508.5km). As a result the satellites are beginning to separate from one another (see 10:1 rule). Once China has separated the satellites by the desired distance they will likely match SMAs to maintain a constant relative distance.

– By my count, with this launch there are now 23 Guowang test satellites in orbit.

– It appears China intends to test 68831-34 with 3 Guowang test satellites (63429-31) launched on 1 April 2025.

  • Both launches used a LM-2D from Xichang and carried 4 satellites into 55° inclined orbits.
    • 63428 failed and re-entered on 16 Oct 2025.
    • The three remaining satellites have recently conducted a series of maneuvers to increase their SMA ~21.5km to an identical 474.3km. Unknown if China intends to eventually match SMA between the two sets of test satellites.
    • 63429 is ~913km behind 63430 and ~791km ahead of 63431.
  • China has placed the 68831-34 group into an orbit with an ~8.2° west RAAN offset from the 63429-31 group. China also launched the newer group into an ~50km higher orbit.
  • Per China In Space: The satellites will test “Upgrades…included direct-to-device services and the joining of terrestrial and orbital networks. GalaxySpace, a commercial satellite manufacturer, made at one of the test satellites, while two were produced by Changguang Satellite Technology Co Ltd. The Harbin Institute of Technology Satellite Technology Co Ltd also developed one of the satellites.”

LM-2D LiftOff from Xichang
(nasaspaceflight.com)

Patch-Off Competition:

26 Apr 2026 (Left) vs 1 Apr 2025 (Right)
(nasaspaceflight.com)

4 Test Satellites Beginning to Separate Due to Slight SMA Variance
(saberastro.com)

Newest Test Satellites have Identical Inclination (55°) and an 8.2° West RAAN Offset from Test Satellites Launched
1 Apr 2025
(saberastro.com)

Prepatory Maneuvers? All 3 Remaining HJS-6 Satellites Increasing SMA

(celestrak.org)

Guowang (China SatNet) Test Launch Summary:

– The other Guowang test satellites and all of the current Guowang operational satellites have SMAs >1,100km. 68831-34 and 63429-31 orbits are at less than ½ of the other Guowang satellites and are likely the first test satellites for Guowang’s planned inner-shell.

– Per Andrew Jones SpaceNews Article from Apr 2021:

– Guowang Test Launch Summary: China has conducted 9 test launches. 3 launches to 86.5° Inclination, 4 launches to 50.0° inclination, and 2 launches to 55.0° inclination.

  • Test Launch 1* (9 Jul 2023): 2 sats (57288 & 57289) on LM-2C from Jiquan.
    • 86.5° inclination, 1,111km SMA
  • Test Launch 2* (23 Nov 2023): 3 sats (58425, 58426, 58427) on LM-2D from Xichang
    • 50.0° inclination, 1,104km SMA
  • Test Launch 3* (5 Dec 2023): 1 sat (58505) on Jielong-3 from Yellow Sea.
    • 86.5° inclination, 1,111km SMA
  • Test Launch 4* (30 Dec 2023): 3 sats (58691, 58692, 58693) on LM-2C from Jiuquan
    • 50.0° inclination, 1,104km SMA
  • Test Launch 5 (30 Nov 2024) 1 sat (62186) on LM-2C from Wenchang
    • 50.0° inclination, 1,104km SMA
  • Test Launch 6 (1 Apr 2024): 4 sats (63428-63431) on LM-2D from Jiuquan
    • 55.0° inclination, 450-470km SMA
    • 63428 de-orbited 16 Oct 2025
    • 63429, 63430, 63431 have recently increased SMA from ~450km to 470km
  • Test Launch 7 (16 Sep 2025): 4 sats (65617-65620) on LM-2C from Jiuquan
    • 50.0° inclination, 1,104km SMA
  • Test Launch 8 (11 Apr 2026): 1 sat (68687) on Jielong-3 from Yellow Sea
    • 86.5° inclination, 1,004km SMA (will likely raise to 1,111km over time…)
  • Test Launch 9 (24 Apr 2026): 4 sats (68831-68834) from LM-2D from Jiuquan
    • 55.0° inclination, ~507km SMA

* Denotes launches occurring prior to first operational LEO Guowang launch 16 Dec 2024

Launch Preparations (left) and Big Red Board of Success (above) (nasaspaceflight.com)