Long March 3B/E | Shijian 32
Long March 3B/E • Long March
📝 Mission Description
Anticipated Launch of China's Long March 3B/E with Unknown Payload
On January 15, 2026, China's space program is set to conduct a significant launch using the Long March 3B/E rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. While specific mission details remain undisclosed—marked simply as "TBD"—this event underscores the ongoing advancements in China's orbital capabilities. The payload, shrouded in secrecy, could range from a geostationary communications satellite to a classified military asset, aligning with the rocket's history of deploying diverse orbital hardware. Such ambiguity is not uncommon in China's space activities, often reflecting strategic priorities in telecommunications, navigation, or reconnaissance.
The mission's objectives likely focus on enhancing China's presence in geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) or geostationary orbit (GEO), where payloads can provide persistent coverage for broadcasting, weather monitoring, or defense applications. The Long March 3B/E is optimized for heavy-lift tasks, capable of delivering up to 5,500 kilograms to GTO. This payload capacity positions it as a workhorse for missions requiring precise orbital insertion, such as those supporting the BeiDou navigation system or commercial satellites. If the payload involves advanced technology, it might include innovations like high-throughput data relays or experimental propulsion systems, contributing to broader goals of space-based infrastructure.
At the heart of this launch is the Long March 3B/E itself, an enhanced variant of the Long March 3B developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. Standing approximately 56 meters tall with a diameter of 3.35 meters, the rocket features a three-stage design augmented by four liquid-fueled strap-on boosters. The first stage and boosters are powered by YF-21C engines using hypergolic propellants—dinitrogen tetroxide and unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine—for reliable thrust totaling over 1,200 kilonewtons per booster. The second stage employs a YF-24E engine cluster, while the third stage uses a restartable YF-75 engine running on liquid hydrogen and oxygen, enabling fine-tuned orbital adjustments. These specifications allow for a maximum payload to low Earth orbit (LEO) of around 12,000 kilograms, though GTO missions are its specialty. The "/E" designation signifies upgrades like reinforced structures and improved avionics, enhancing reliability in challenging launch environments.
The Long March 3B/E boasts a strong performance history since its maiden flight in 2007, with over
ℹ️ Official Details
Chinese experimental spacecraft of unknown purposes.
🎯 Post-Launch Analysis
The Long March 3B/E launch of Shijian 32 on January 16, 2026, encountered significant challenges during ascent, with technical anomalies reported in the launch vehicle. While specific details of the issues remain undisclosed, these anomalies likely impacted the mission's overall success. The payload, a Chinese experimental spacecraft of unknown purpose, raises questions about whether it achieved its intended orbit or operational status, as no confirmation of successful deployment has been provided. From an engineering perspective, this mission highlights potential vulnerabilities in the Long March 3B/E system that require thorough investigation. The outcome could delay future missions pending resolution of these technical concerns. Additionally, the lack of transparency regarding Shijian 32’s objectives limits broader analysis of mission goals. This event underscores the need for robust pre-launch testing and real-time anomaly detection to ensure reliability in China’s ambitious space program moving forward.