China launches Communication Technology Test Satellite 26A

On 23 June 2026, China used a Long March 7A carrier rocket from the Wenchang Space Launch Site to place the Communication Technology Test Satellite 26A into its intended orbit. The launch, performed at 10:10 local time, was reported as a complete success, with the satellite reaching the planned trajectory.

The satellite is intended for communications, broadcasting, and data‑transmission experiments, and its deployment marks the 653rd flight of the Long March launch family.

The mission underscores China's ongoing development of indigenous satellite‑communication capabilities.