Tianlian 2-06

A Long March 3B/E lifted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center carrying Tianlian-2-06, a new data-relay satellite that expands communications coverage for China's Tiangong space station and its visiting Shenzhou and Tianzhou vehicles. The rocket was struck by lightning roughly 30 seconds after liftoff but still delivered the satellite to geostationary transfer orbit.

Outcome

Success

Orbit

GTO

Geostationary transfer orbit

Payload to orbit

5 T (est.)

Flight

78th

of 78 Long March 3B/E flights

Date and time

23 July 2026, 12:00 UTC

Rocket

Long March 3B/E

Builder

CASC

Launch site

Launch Complex 2 (LC-2), Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China

Payload

Communications

International designator

2026-169

Launches in 2026

176th of 243

See it in orbit

Space Atlas shows the satellites and rocket stages from this launch in 3D.

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