China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) has successfully launched a modified Long March 5 heavy-lift carrier rocket from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan province. The Saturday evening launch at 8:30 pm local time deployed the Communications Technology Demonstrator 23 satellite into its designated orbit, marking another milestone in China’s ambitious space program.
The mission featured a specially configured Long March 5 rocket with an extended fairing measuring 18.5 meters tall—significantly larger than the standard 12.3-meter fairing typically used. This modification resulted in an overall rocket height of 63.2 meters, establishing it as China’s tallest rocket configuration to date. The extended fairing design provides enhanced payload capacity for larger satellites and experimental equipment.
Developed by the China Academy of Space Technology, a CASC subsidiary, the Communications Technology Demonstrator 23 satellite is designed to validate advanced multi-band high-speed satellite communications technologies. This demonstration mission represents significant progress in China’s satellite communications capabilities, potentially enabling faster data transmission and more robust space-based networking systems.
This launch constitutes the 88th space mission conducted by China and the 618th flight of the Long March rocket series. Specifically, it represents the 17th mission for the Long March 5 family, which ranks among the world’s most powerful operational launch vehicles. The successful deployment demonstrates China’s growing expertise in heavy-lift launch capabilities and advanced satellite technology development.