Triple Launch Day at Xichang
On Tuesday, Dec 9, the Chinese mainland's Xichang Satellite Launch Center sprang to life as a Long March-3B rocket lifted off at 11:08 p.m. Beijing Time, deploying the Shiyan-22 communication technology test satellite into its designated orbit. This marked the 615th mission of the Long March carrier rocket series.
Shiyan-22: Testing Next-Gen Connectivity
Shiyan-22 will run a suite of technical validations over the coming months to test advanced functions for satellite communication, radio and television broadcasting, and data transmission. Engineers aim to refine new links that could bolster global media delivery and remote connectivity.
Historic Triple Launch
Earlier on the same day, the Chinese mainland achieved a record-setting triple mission:
- The 15th group of low-orbit internet satellites, expanding global broadband coverage.
- The Yaogan-47 remote sensing satellite, designed for earth observation.
- The Shiyan-22 test satellite, focusing on next-generation broadcast and data links.
By successfully sending three payloads into orbit in a single day, the Chinese mainland underscored its rapid momentum in space innovation this year.
Why It Matters
For digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts across the globe, Shiyan-22 represents more than a test flight—it’s a glimpse into a future of seamless, resilient connectivity. As space-based infrastructure supports everything from emergency communications to entertainment streaming, each successful mission brings us one step closer to a truly connected world.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
