China’s aerospace program achieved another milestone on Sunday evening as the nation successfully deployed its Shijian 28 satellite into predetermined orbit. The launch occurred at precisely 20:20 Beijing Time from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site located in Hainan province, China’s southernmost tropical island.
The mission utilized an upgraded variant of the Long March 7 carrier rocket, specifically modified for this orbital deployment operation. This launch represents a significant achievement in China’s expanding space capabilities, marking the 611th flight mission within the Long March rocket family since the program’s inception.
Space industry analysts note that the successful deployment continues China’s pattern of frequent and reliable space missions. The Wenchang launch facility, known for its equatorial proximity that provides natural launch advantages, has become increasingly important to China’s space ambitions. The Shijian (which translates to ‘Practice’) series of satellites typically serve multiple functions including technological verification, scientific experimentation, and Earth observation.
This latest mission reinforces China’s position as a major player in space technology and exploration, demonstrating ongoing advancements in rocket modification capabilities and orbital precision deployment. The space sector continues to be a strategic priority for China’s technological development, with regular missions contributing to the country’s growing expertise in satellite technology, rocket reliability, and space infrastructure development.