China launches new satellite for radar calibration, space monitoring

China has successfully launched a new satellite into space to support radar calibration and space environment monitoring.

The Tianping-3A 02 satellite lifted off at 10:12 am Beijing time on Thursday, (April 3) from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre in Shanxi province, state media reported, Caliber.Az reports, citing Chinese daily newspaper.

It was carried into orbit by a Long March 6 rocket and entered its designated trajectory as planned.

According to Chinese officials, the satellite will primarily be used to calibrate ground-based radar systems and measure radar cross-sections.

It will also aid imaging experiments using optical equipment, conduct monitoring tests of the low-Earth orbit environment, and support atmospheric space environment measurements. Additionally, it is expected to help refine orbital prediction models.

Thursday’s launch marked the 568th mission in China’s Long March rocket series.

Note that, ​China's space program has rapidly advanced, achieving significant milestones in recent years. In 2019, China became the first nation to successfully land on the far side of the Moon with its Chang'e-4 mission.

The following year, the Tianwen-1 mission deployed the Zhurong rover on Mars, which traveled nearly 2 kilometers, analyzing the planet's surface and atmosphere. By late 2022, China completed the construction of the Tiangong Space Station, marking a significant step in its human spaceflight capabilities.

In November 2024, the state-owned aerospace company AVIC unveiled Haoloong-1, China's first commercial uncrewed spaceplane, aimed at supplying the Chinese space station and reducing cargo launch costs. 

These accomplishments reflect China's commitment to becoming a leading space power, as articulated in its 2021 white paper, which outlines plans for further exploration and international cooperation.

By Aghakazim Guliyev