China launches Shijian-28 satellite in latest space mission

China has successfully deployed a new satellite into orbit as part of its expanding space program. The Shijian-28 satellite launched from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site located in Hainan, China's southern island province, aboard a modified Long March-7 carrier rocket on Sunday evening.

Launch Details and Mission Success

The satellite lifted off at 8:20 pm Beijing Time and successfully reached its predetermined orbit, according to official Chinese state media reports. The mission marks another achievement for China's space program, which has maintained an ambitious launch schedule throughout recent years as the country continues to develop its space capabilities across multiple domains including communications, navigation, and scientific research.

Long March Program Milestone

This latest launch represents the 611th flight of China's domestically developed Long March rocket series, demonstrating the program's maturity and reliability. The Long March family of launch vehicles has become the workhorse of China's space program, supporting both civilian and military satellite deployments while enabling the country's lunar exploration, space station construction, and interplanetary missions.

Recent Space Activities

The Shijian-28 mission follows China's launch of three additional satellites—Shijian-30A, Shijian-30B, and Shijian-30C—on November 19. Those satellites were designed for space environment exploration and related technology verification, indicating China's continued focus on both practical applications and scientific research within its space program as it competes in the global space arena.