Tianping-3A 02: China Sends New Satellite into Space for Radar and Weather Tracking

On Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 10:12 a.m. Beijing time, China made a successful orbit placing satellite launch of Tianping-3A 02 from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi Province. The launching rocket was a Long March-6, marking the 568th flight mission of the Long March program.

Established in 1968, the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center is specifically used for launching meteorological Earth resource and scientific satellites into sun synchronous orbits. Its high elevation and dry climate make it a prime location for these operations.

The Tianping-3A 02 satellite is chiefly intended for working on the calibration of ground-based radar systems and collecting radar cross-section (RCS) data. It will additionally perform some imaging experiments for ground based optical instruments and low earth orbit space environment monitoring tests. It will also provide services for measures of the atmospheric space environment and assist in the development of updated orbital prediction models.

Development of Tianping-3A 02 represents China’s continued commitment to advancing its space technology capabilities. The satellite is being developed by the Shanghai based Innovation Academy for Microsatellites which is part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This successful launch will assist in improving the accuracy of radars, airline forecasting and environmental monitoring as well as scientific research on atmosphere.

This launch highlights China’s commitment to increase its footprint in space and improve its technological network for environmental monitoring and data collection.