By Staff Reporter
XICHANG, China, June 17, 2026 — China successfully launched a new satellite into space on Tuesday, marking another milestone in the country’s expanding space programme.
The Shijian-31 satellite was carried into orbit aboard a Long March-3B rocket, which lifted off at 5:45 p.m. Beijing time from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in southwest China’s Sichuan Province.
According to Chinese authorities, the satellite will be primarily used for monitoring the space environment, supporting scientific research and enhancing China’s capabilities in space observation and management.
The launch was declared successful, with the satellite entering its planned orbit shortly after liftoff.
The mission marked the 651st flight of China’s Long March carrier rocket series, one of the world’s most active launch vehicle programmes and a cornerstone of the country’s ambitious space exploration efforts.
China has continued to accelerate its space activities in recent years, including satellite deployments, lunar exploration missions and the development of its permanent space station, further strengthening its position as a major global space power.
Source: WAM
