China strengthened its aerospace portfolio on Thursday with the successful launch of the Tianping-3A 02 satellite, marking another milestone in its ambitious space program. The satellite, propelled by a Long March-6 carrier rocket, lifted off at 10:12 a.m. Beijing Time from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi Province, entering its designated orbit shortly after.
The Tianping-3A 02 will play a critical role in advancing radar calibration and space environment monitoring. It is designed to support ground-based radar cross-section measurements, optical equipment imaging experiments, and low-orbit space environment analysis. Additionally, the satellite will enhance atmospheric studies and refine orbital prediction models — a boon for researchers and industries reliant on precise spatial data.
This mission represents the 568th flight of the Long March rocket series, underscoring China’s growing expertise in reliable launch technologies. Analysts highlight the project’s potential applications in meteorology, telecommunications, and environmental monitoring, aligning with broader goals to expand scientific collaboration across Asia.
