China Expands Secretive Satellite Series with Launch of TJS-15
Author: Andrew Jones
Published: March 9, 2025
HELSINKI — China launched the latest in a series of classified satellites into geosynchronous transfer orbit on March 9, 2025, while disclosing little about the spacecraft. A Long March 3B rocket lifted off at 12:17 p.m. Eastern (1717 UTC) from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, southwest China. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) announced the success of the launch within an hour of liftoff, although the payload remained unspecified initially.
Details Surrounding TJS-15
The payload, later revealed as the communication technology experiment satellite TJS-15, emphasizes the secrecy surrounding this segment of China's space endeavors.
Overview of TJS Program
The TJS satellite series debuted in 2015, intended primarily for military and strategic applications in communications and reconnaissance. As of March 2025, there are expected to be 14 active TJS satellites, with the most recent launch, TJS-15, marking the 10th successful deployment in China's efforts to enhance its strategic capabilities in outer space.
Launch Context
China's TJS satellite series operates primarily in geostationary orbits, providing critical capabilities for military operations, including signals intelligence and potential satellite reconnaissance. The latest satellite executes mission parameters similar to its predecessors, focusing on advanced technological validation and multi-band communication capabilities.
CASC succinctly outlined the TJS-15 mission as central to verifying high-speed satellite communication technology, explicitly noting its lack of provided images or specifics - a hallmark of previous TJS launches.
TJS Missions: Purposes and Future Directions
The implications of the TJS missions extend to operational secrecy, integrating military communications formations integral to the People’s Liberation Army's (PLA) broader strategic posture. The analysis of previous missions indicates a trend towards operational capabilities that might align with reconnaissance and surveillance, positioning TJS satellites for potential roles in maintaining national security.
Performance Metrics of TJS Satellites
| Satellite | Launch Date | Orbit Type | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| TJS-1 | 2015 | Geostationary | Communications |
| TJS-2 | 2016 | Geostationary | Surveillance |
| TJS-3 | 2018 | Geostationary | Targeted Operations |
| TJS-4 | 2020 | Geostationary | Technical Testing |
| TJS-15 | 2025 | Geosynchronous Transfer | Technology Validation |
Technical Specifications of TJS-15
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | Approx. 3000 kg |
| Launch Vehicle | Long March 3B |
| Power Source | Solar Panels |
| Communication Bands | Extensive multi-band support |
China's Broader Launch Plans for 2025
The launch of TJS-15 also marks an important moment in the context of China's overall space ambitions in 2025. The CASC aims to execute approximately 100 launches throughout the year, an ambitious target considering previous performance metrics.
Upcoming Missions and Goals
- Tianwen-2: Near-Earth asteroid sample return and main belt comet rendezvous mission scheduled for May.
- Shenzhou-20 and -21: Crewed missions to the Tiangong space station, with each operation slated for approximately six months.
- New Cargo Spacecraft: Introduction of two new cargo spacecraft intended for transportation to the Tiangong space station.
Conclusion
The TJS-15 satellite exemplifies China’s continued commitment to enhancing its strategic capabilities in space. As the nation gears up for a busy year of launches, the implications for military readiness and technological advancements in satellite communication remain paramount.
For More Information
For further insights on China's space endeavors, please refer to:
