China successfully launched a new data relay satellite, Tianlian II-06, into space on Thursday from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the southwestern province of Sichuan, marking another milestone in the country’s expanding space programme.
The satellite lifted off at 8 p.m. Beijing time aboard a Long March-3B carrier rocket. The launch was successful, with Tianlian II-06 entering its planned orbit shortly after takeoff.
Tianlian II-06 is designed to strengthen China’s space communication network by providing data relay services for a range of spacecraft operating in orbit. Its deployment is expected to improve communication links between satellites and ground control.
The satellite will primarily provide data relay and telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C) services for crewed missions, including spaceships and space stations. It will also support medium- and low-Earth-orbit resource satellites and provide TT&C assistance during spacecraft launches.
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Data relay satellites play a vital role in modern space operations by ensuring continuous communication, tracking and command capabilities for spacecraft, helping mission controllers monitor and manage activities in orbit more efficiently.
Thursday’s launch also marked the 658th flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series, underscoring the continued reliability of the launch vehicle family as China advances its ambitious space exploration and satellite deployment programmes.
Xinhua
