China Launches Shiyan-30 Satellites as Space Activity Accelerates
A Long March 2D rocket successfully launched a pair of experimental satellites into orbit late on September 28, 2025. The mission marked a significant milestone in China’s space endeavors, occurring during a notably active month for the country’s launch schedule. The rocket lifted off at 23:00 Eastern Time (03:00 UTC, September 29) from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center located in southwest China.
The launch was confirmed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), which reported that the payload consisted of the Shiyan-30 (01) and (02) satellites. In line with typical practices for Shiyan missions, specific details regarding the satellites remain limited, with CASC primarily describing their purpose as testing and verifying Earth observation technologies. These satellites were developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), a subsidiary of CASC.
Details of the Shiyan Missions
The Shiyan satellite missions are often characterized by their focus on space environment detection and technology experiments. Following the launch, U.S. space domain awareness teams cataloged the newly deployed satellites, which are now orbiting at an altitude of approximately 590 kilometers with an inclination of 35 degrees. While the Shiyan missions generally lack transparency, analysts believe that these satellites are instrumental in testing various systems, including sensors, communication subsystems, and environmental instruments.
Historically, Shiyan satellites have served multiple functions, such as technology demonstrations, space environment monitoring, electronic intelligence, and remote sensing. They also play a role in space operations, including rendezvous and proximity maneuvers.
Recent Shiyan activities have seen a variety of operational orbits; many satellites in this series operate in low Earth orbit or near-polar orbits. Notably, some have been positioned in geosynchronous orbits, like the Shiyan-12 (01) and (02) satellites, which have been identified as potential inspector satellites. Recently, Shiyan-12 (02) was reported to have approached and likely imaged the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) GEO 6 spacecraft, designated as USA 336, in the geostationary belt.
Significant Milestones in China’s Space Program
The recent launch of Shiyan-30 (01) and (02) was particularly significant as it represented the 100th mission for the Long March 2D rocket. This achievement places the Long March 2D among an elite group of only two Chinese launch vehicles to reach the century mark, following the Long March 3B rocket. Furthermore, this launch was China’s tenth mission in September 2025, contributing to one of the busiest months in the nation’s spaceflight history.
September’s launch schedule included a variety of missions, such as the deployment of Shiyan-29, a Ceres-1 solid rocket launch, and military missions like the Yaogan triplets. Additional missions featured the launch of the Yaogan-45, which is recognized as China’s first large Earth observation satellite in medium Earth orbit, as well as various launches for the Guowang and Geesatcom constellations, alongside the Fengyun weather satellite fleet.
In total, this launch marked China’s 59th orbital attempt of 2025, which includes one failure—the loss of a Zhuque-2E rocket operated by commercial entity Landspace in August. Looking ahead, upcoming missions will involve a Long March 8A launch from Hainan’s commercial spaceport and the second Gravity-1 solid rocket from Orienspace, both anticipated around October 10, 2025.
This latest development in China’s space program underscores the nation’s commitment to advancing its capabilities and expanding its presence in the global space arena.
