Long March 3B successfully launches Shiyan No. 25 satellite and China’s aerospace industry gets a good start in 2025
At 4:00 am on January 7, 2025, the Long March 3B rocket took off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, accurately delivering the Shiyan 25 satellite into its designated orbit, marking the “opening success” of China’s space launch mission in 2025.
The Long March 3B rocket, along with the Long March A and Long March C rockets, forms the Long March A series. It was developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASIC). The Shiyan 25 satellite was developed by the Eighth Academy of CASIC (also known as the Shanghai Aerospace Technology Research Institute), primarily for satellite fuel replenishment and lifespan extension service technology verification.
The satellite development team of the Eighth Academy, faced with complex system composition, short research and development cycles, and multiple collaborative units, systematically planned and carefully organized the research and development of technology, plans, and production support processes. They strictly controlled the technical status, managed the rigid plans, and ensured effective implementation of production support to ensure efficient progress in all research and development work.
During the launch site period, the satellite model test team of the Eighth Academy carefully planned the launch site production support work. They conducted risk re-identification and预案re-confirmation for the entire launch process, conducted detailed study and process re-enactment for key procedures and operations, and ensured product status confirmation and process traceability at the launch site with strict, standardized, and effective production support measures, ensuring zero defects and zero errors in the launch site work.
In 2025, the Long March A series rockets are expected to perform more than 10 launch missions. The rocket team will continue to improve the mission adaptability of the rockets by promoting task-based batch production, cross-parallel working modes, and strengthening quality control.
This launch is the 555th launch of the Long March series of carrier rockets.
