Long March 4C | Shiyan 28 B-01
Long March 4C • Long March
📝 Mission Description
China's Long March 4C Launches Shiyan 28 B-01 Satellite
On July 3, 2025, China's space program marked another milestone with the successful launch of the Shiyan 28 B-01 satellite aboard a Long March 4C rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. Officially designated for "space environment detection," the mission underscores Beijing's growing emphasis on advanced orbital technologies, though specifics remain closely guarded, as is common with experimental payloads in the Shiyan series.
The primary objective of the Shiyan 28 B-01 appears centered on monitoring and analyzing space weather phenomena, such as solar flares, cosmic radiation, and geomagnetic disturbances. These factors can disrupt satellite operations, communications, and even terrestrial power grids. Payload capabilities likely include sophisticated sensors for real-time data collection on particle fluxes, atmospheric interactions, and orbital debris tracking. Given the Shiyan lineage—often used for testing cutting-edge tech like autonomous navigation or high-resolution imaging—this satellite could incorporate experimental features such as AI-driven anomaly detection or enhanced radiation-hardened electronics. While exact parameters are undisclosed, similar missions have demonstrated payloads capable of operating in sun-synchronous orbits at altitudes around 600-800 kilometers, providing persistent global coverage for environmental monitoring. This aligns with broader goals of improving space situational awareness, potentially supporting both civilian applications like climate modeling and military reconnaissance.
At the heart of the mission is the Long March 4C rocket, a three-stage vehicle designed for medium-lift capabilities. Standing approximately 46 meters tall with a diameter of 3.35 meters, it weighs about 250 tons at liftoff. The first stage is powered by four YF-21C engines using storable hypergolic propellants—nitrogen tetroxide and unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine—for reliable ignition and thrust of around 2,960 kN. The second stage employs a single YF-22C engine, while the third stage features a YF-40 with restart capabilities, enabling precise orbital insertions. This configuration allows the 4C to deliver up to 4,200 kilograms to low Earth orbit or 1,500 kilograms to sun-synchronous orbits, making it ideal for polar and high-inclination missions. Technical refinements over its predecessors include improved avionics for autonomous flight control and enhanced fairing designs to accommodate larger payloads, reflecting iterative engineering that balances cost-efficiency with performance.
The Long March 4C boasts a strong track record since its maiden flight in 2006, with
ℹ️ Official Details
Satellite officially named for "space environment detection" purposes, exact details unknown.
🎯 Post-Launch Analysis
The Long March 4C launch of Shiyan 28 B-01 on July 03, 2025, achieved a successful orbital insertion and payload deployment, marking another reliable performance for the rocket system. Technical execution was precise, with the rocket demonstrating consistent stability and control throughout ascent. The satellite, designated for "space environment detection," was deployed into its intended orbit, though specific mission objectives remain undisclosed. Engineering outcomes highlight the Long March 4C’s adaptability for diverse payloads, reinforcing its role in China’s space program. This success validates ongoing improvements in launch vehicle design and mission planning, potentially paving the way for more complex or frequent missions. The lack of detailed payload information limits deeper analysis, but the mission’s outcome suggests robust operational capabilities. Future missions could leverage this reliability to expand scientific or strategic objectives in space environment monitoring.