China’s latest Shijian-28 satellite launch aboard a Long March-7 rocket highlights the nation’s growing technological momentum and strategic ambitions in space.
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| The Shijian-28 launch from Wenchang marks another step in China’s advancing space program, adding to the Long March rocket series’ extensive mission record. Image Courtesy: Xinhua |
WENCHANG, China — December 1, 2025:
China’s space program continued its rapid upward trajectory with the successful launch of the Shijian-28 satellite from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on the southern island province of Hainan. The mission, carried out Sunday at 8:20 p.m. Beijing Time, used a modified Long March-7 carrier rocket—a workhorse in China’s expanding family of launch vehicles.
According to state media, the satellite entered its preset orbit shortly after liftoff, confirming a smooth and precisely executed mission. This flight represents the 611th mission of the Long March rocket series, underscoring the maturity and reliability of China’s launch infrastructure.
Though the Shijian series typically supports technology verification and experimental systems, the launch carries broader strategic meaning. Each new Shijian satellite adds to China’s capacity for on-orbit testing, spacecraft engineering refinements, and potential applications across civilian, scientific, and national objectives.
The Wenchang launch site itself continues to play a central role in China’s long-term space plans. As home to newer-generation rockets capable of heavier payloads, it supports Beijing’s ambitions for lunar exploration, crewed spaceflight expansion, and a growing commercial satellite footprint.
In essence, the Shijian-28 mission is more than a routine launch. It is a visible indicator of China’s accelerating investment in space technology, operational consistency, and readiness to position itself as a leading actor in the evolving landscape of global space activities.