On April 10, 2025, China launched its third satellite in the classified TJS series using a Long March 3B rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

The payload, named TJS-17, is a communication technology experiment satellite designed for high-speed satellite communication verification.

The TJS series operates mainly in geostationary orbit and is believed to support classified missions for China’s military, including signals intelligence and satellite inspections.

The launch follows two recent TJS missions, TJS-15 and TJS-16, both developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, Space News has reported.

TJS-17 is China’s 19th orbital launch of the year, part of its ambitious goal to complete over 100 launches in 2025, driven by growing commercial activity and upcoming major missions like the Tianwen-2 asteroid sample return.

Written by B.C. Begley