ANDREW CHAIKIN, Author at SpaceNews - Page 5 of 81

A Long March 6A rocket stands on the launch pad at China's Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, surrounded by dense morning fog and lightning towers. Venting is visible from the rocket as it prepares for liftoff, with the launch tower displaying Chinese characters reading "Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center."

China launches 6 classified experimental satellites with Long March 6A

by Andrew Jones April 19, 2025April 19, 2025

Image of the moon's far side with Earth in the distant background, taken from lunar orbit. The lunar surface appears gray and cratered, while Earth is shown as a small blue-and-white sphere against the blackness of space.

Civil

Mission team details complex rescue of Chinese lunar spacecraft

by Andrew Jones April 17, 2025April 17, 2025

A Long March 3B rocket lifts off from Xichang Satellite Launch Center at night, illuminating the launch pad with bright orange exhaust flames during the launch of the classified TJS-17 satellite on April 10, 2025.

China launches TJS-17, expanding classified geostationary satellite series

by Andrew Jones April 10, 2025May 12, 2025

A high-resolution image of Mars taken by China's Tianwen-1 spacecraft, showing a partially illuminated view of the planet’s northern hemisphere against the darkness of space. The reddish-brown Martian surface is visible with subtle atmospheric haze.

Civil

China to seek out life in the solar system as NASA faces cuts, commercial players expand ambitions

by Andrew Jones April 9, 2025April 7, 2025

Civil

China’s megaconstellation launches could litter orbit for more than a century, analysts warn

by Andrew Jones April 7, 2025April 7, 2025

Nighttime launch of the Long March 3B rocket carrying the Shijian-25 satellite, illuminating the surroundings at Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

China expands counterspace capabilities, new report finds

by Andrew Jones April 3, 2025April 6, 2025

A Long March 2D rocket ascends into a clear blue sky after liftoff from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, trailing a pinkish-orange exhaust plume. Pieces of insulation are seen peeling away from the payload fairing during ascent.

China launches internet technology test satellites with Long March 2D

by Andrew Jones April 1, 2025April 1, 2025

Render of a Bluelink Satcom satellite in low Earth orbit, featuring a gold-colored cube-shaped bus with four extended solar panel arms arranged in a cross configuration, set against the backdrop of space and the Earth's horizon.

Chinese Bluetooth satellite startup raises early funding

by Andrew Jones March 31, 2025June 13, 2025

"A Long March 7A rocket lifts off at night from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center, sending the classified TJS-16 satellite into orbit. Bright flames and thick plumes of exhaust illuminate the launch pad and surrounding towers against the dark sky.

China launches classified TJS-16 spacecraft, companion object emerges alongside earlier TJS-15 satellite

by Andrew Jones March 29, 2025April 10, 2025

Launch preparations for Gravity-1 aboard the Defu-15002 sea platform. Credit: Orienspace

From the Magazine

China’s megaconstellations take off, government backs commercial space

by Andrew Jones March 28, 2025March 28, 2025

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