China’s space program made history on Tuesday by successfully executing three separate orbital launches within a single day, setting a new national record for space mission frequency. The unprecedented achievement demonstrates remarkable coordination capabilities within China’s aerospace industry.
The day’s space operations commenced at 6:11 AM with the launch of a Long March 6A rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi province. This medium-lift vehicle deployed multiple internet satellites destined to join China’s expanding mega-constellation network, which already comprised over 110 operational satellites prior to this deployment.
Approximately five and a half hours later, a Long March 4B rocket ascended from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Inner Mongolia, carrying the Yaogan 47 satellite into orbit. This Earth observation satellite will perform critical functions including land resource surveys, urban mapping, agricultural monitoring, and environmental protection support.
The day’s final launch occurred at 11:08 PM from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province, where a Long March 3B rocket delivered the Communication Technology Demonstrator 22 satellite to orbit. This experimental communications satellite will conduct signal transmission tests, data relay operations, and television program broadcasting experiments.
Space technology expert Pang Zhihao emphasized the extraordinary coordination required for such an achievement, noting that successful rocket launches depend on extensive ground support infrastructure including tracking stations, telemetry facilities, and satellite control centers spread across the country. The simultaneous operation of multiple launch facilities demonstrates China’s advanced capabilities in mission planning and execution within its state-run space program.
All three rocket models were developed by subsidiaries of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the nation’s primary state-owned space contractor, highlighting the organization’s technical proficiency and operational capacity.