China Expands Secretive Satellite Series with Launch of TJS-15
China’s launch of the TJS-15 satellite marks the continuation of its classified satellite series aimed at testing communication technology and potentially serving military purposes. The mission aligns with previous launches, emphasizing a strategic focus on enhancing capabilities in Earth’s orbit. Looking ahead, China plans many significant space missions throughout 2025, including commercial and crewed missions.
On March 9, China successfully launched the TJS-15 satellite into geosynchronous transfer orbit using a Long March 3B rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. The launch, announced by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), revealed TJS-15 as a communication technology experiment without providing in-depth details about the satellite’s specifications or capabilities. The mission was anticipated due to prior airspace closure notifications.
The TJS-15 satellite is primarily intended for testing advanced multi-band, high-speed satellite communication technologies. This mission fits the ongoing pattern of previous TJS satellite launches, which often operate in geostationary orbit (GEO) and are believed to serve various classified military functions, including signals intelligence and surveillance for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
Since the launch of the first TJS satellite in 2015, the series has expanded to 14 active satellites, with six launched in the past 18 months. The TJS-14, which was launched earlier this year, operates at a position over Africa. Notably, the TJS-13, launched in 2024, occupies a highly elliptical orbit and complements two other Chinese satellites designed for similar technology testing purposes.
Other significant missions within the TJS series include TJS-3, which emerged in 2018, deploying a subsatellite to conduct maneuvers. This highlights the tactical capabilities of the TJS series in relation to U.S. satellite operations.
As of this launch, China has completed its 10th orbital launch attempt in 2025, with the subsequent mission set for March 11 using a Long March 8 rocket from Hainan’s commercial spaceport. While CASC usually outlines an ambitious launch target—about 100 missions for the year—specific targets for 2025 have yet to be publicly released, following last year’s total of 68 attempts.
In addition to ongoing satellite launches, China plans to introduce new commercial rockets and conduct significant missions such as the Tianwen-2 asteroid sample return in May. There are also plans for crewed missions (Shenzhou-20 and -21) to the Tiangong space station, expected to last approximately six months each, alongside cargo missions including Tianzhou-9.
The launch of TJS-15 underscores China’s ongoing commitment to developing advanced satellite technology while maintaining a level of secrecy around its military capabilities. With plans for additional launches, including commercial advancements and crewed space missions, China is pursuing an aggressive agenda to enhance its presence in the space domain and further its exploration initiatives.
Original Source: spacenews.com
