China launches orbital refueling satellite

Chine, Xijiang. China successfully sent Shijian-25 into space using Long March-3B rocket.

The rocket was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest Sichuan Province at 4:00 am (Beijing time) on Tuesday. The payload was later brought into a predetermined orbit. A payload refers to a device designed to carry and operate a satellite.

According to the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, the developer of Xijian-25, the satellite is primarily used for refueling. The launch marks the 555th mission in China’s 2025 first rocket launch series.