Long March 4C | Shiyan 28 B-02
Long March 4C • Long March
📝 Mission Description
China's Long March 4C Launches Shiyan 28 B-02: A Step Forward in Space Environment Monitoring
On August 17, 2025, China successfully executed the Long March 4C mission carrying the Shiyan 28 B-02 satellite, marking another milestone in its ambitious space program. Launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Inner Mongolia, the rocket propelled the payload into a sun-synchronous orbit, ideal for Earth observation and environmental monitoring. While official statements describe the satellite's purpose as "space environment detection," the exact capabilities remain classified, fueling speculation about its potential dual-use applications in scientific research and national security.
The mission's objectives center on advancing China's ability to monitor and analyze the space environment, which includes tracking solar activity, radiation levels, and orbital debris. Shiyan-series satellites, translating to "experimental" in English, often serve as testbeds for new technologies. The Shiyan 28 B-02 is believed to carry advanced sensors for detecting electromagnetic disturbances and space weather phenomena, which could enhance early warning systems for satellite operations. Payload capabilities likely include high-resolution imaging and data relay systems, with an estimated mass of around 1,000 kilograms. In a broader context, such missions contribute to global efforts in space situational awareness, helping mitigate risks from solar flares that could disrupt communications and power grids on Earth. However, the opacity surrounding the payload raises questions about possible military reconnaissance functions, a common trait in China's experimental satellite programs.
At the heart of this launch is the Long March 4C rocket, a reliable workhorse in China's launch fleet. Developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, it is a three-stage vehicle standing approximately 46 meters tall with a diameter of 3.35 meters at its base. The first stage is powered by four YF-21C engines using hypergolic propellants—unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide—delivering a thrust of about 2,960 kilonewtons. The second stage employs a single YF-22C engine, while the third stage uses a YF-40 engine for precise orbital insertion. With a liftoff mass of around 250 tons, the Long March 4C can deliver up to 4,200 kilograms to low Earth orbit or 1,500 kilograms to sun-synchronous orbit, making it versatile for medium-payload missions. Its design emphasizes cost-effectiveness and rapid turnaround, incorporating modular components that allow for quick assembly and modifications based
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-02 on August 17, 2025, achieved a successful orbital insertion and payload deployment, marking another reliable performance for the rocket system. Technical execution was flawless, with the rocket delivering the satellite—designated for "space environment detection"—into its intended orbit, though specific mission objectives remain undisclosed. The deployment mechanism operated as designed, ensuring the payload's operational readiness. Key engineering outcomes include validation of the Long March 4C's consistent precision in multi-payload missions, reinforcing its role in China's space infrastructure. This success further demonstrates the robustness of launch protocols and ground support systems. For future missions, this outcome strengthens confidence in the platform for similar experimental or classified payloads, potentially expanding applications in environmental monitoring or strategic space operations, while highlighting China's growing expertise in sustained orbital access.