China successfully launched the TJS-15 satellite on March 9, 2025, using a Long March 3B rocket. This satellite is part of a series allocated for communication technology verification and may serve various military purposes. The launch marks China’s tenth for the year, with expectations for more missions, including significant exploratory projects and crewed missions planned for the Tiangong space station.
On March 9, 2025, China successfully launched the TJS-15 satellite aboard a Long March 3B rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. The launch, which occurred at 12:17 p.m. Eastern Time, was anticipated due to prior airspace closures, yet details regarding the payload remained undisclosed initially. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) later revealed that the spacecraft functions as a communication technology experiment.
The TJS-15 satellite is intended for high-speed, multi-band satellite communication technology verification; however, CASC shared minimal information about its specifications or imagery. This lack of transparency aligns with previous launches under the TJS series, which is speculated by Western analysts to support classified military functions such as signals intelligence and satellite inspections aiding the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
Since the first TJS mission debuted in 2015, there are now 14 operational satellites in this series, with six launched within the past year and a half. Notably, TJS-14 joined the geostationary orbit over Africa, while TJS-13 established a Molniya-like orbit, enhancing coverage in high latitude regions for potential communication and monitoring purposes. Other missions have exhibited capabilities in coordination and close approach maneuvers with U.S. satellites.
The TJS-15 launch marks China’s 10th orbital attempt for 2025, with plans for an additional Long March 8 launch scheduled for March 11. Yet, the overall target for the year remains uncertain; CASC typically outlines its annual aims in a public “blue book,” which has reportedly not yet been released for 2025. The previous year saw 68 launches, falling short of the anticipated 100, with plans to improve in the current cycle including new commercial rocket introductions. Significant upcoming projects include the Tianwen-2 asteroid sample return and the Shenzhou crewed missions to the Tiangong space station, expected to commence operations this year.
In conclusion, the launch of the TJS-15 satellite signifies China’s ongoing commitment to expanding its satellite capabilities, particularly in relation to communication technologies. The continued development of the TJS series reflects potential military applications and aligns with the strategic objectives of the Chinese space program. As China seeks to enhance its presence in space and fulfill its ambitious launch targets for 2025, upcoming missions will play a crucial role in this initiative.
Original Source: spacenews.com
