Long March 5 rocket’s lift-off marks pivotal step in validating technologies for next-generation orbital connectivity speeds and reliability
China launched a new test communication satellite on June 11 in a pivotal step to validate technology essential for next-generation orbital connectivity speeds and reliability.
The Communication Technology Test Satellite No 25 was sent into orbit on a Long March 5 rocket launched from the Wenchang spaceport in the southern island province of Hainan at 3.30pm on June 11, 2026.
“The satellite will be mainly used to verify multi-band, high-rate satellite communication technologies,” state broadcaster CCTV reported. The mission is the 11th flight for the Long March 5 series and its first launch of the year.
The Long March 5 has a carrying capacity of 25 tonnes to low-Earth orbit, 14 tonnes to geostationary transfer orbit and 8.25 tonnes to trans-lunar injection, suggesting that the satellite deployed in this mission was relatively heavy.
The Wenchang launch site allows for higher payloads. Photo: Xinhua
The choice of Wenchang remains strategic for heavy payloads.
