China successfully launched the Yaogan-40 03 group of remote sensing satellites on September 7, 2025, at 12:34 a.m. Beijing Time. The launch took place at the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi Province, utilizing a modified Long March-6 carrier rocket. This mission marks the 593rd launch for the Long March rocket series.
The Yaogan-40 03 satellites are designed for electromagnetic environment detection and related technical testing. These satellites are expected to significantly bolster China's capabilities in detailed land surveys, agricultural monitoring, environmental management, and meteorological forecasting, while also contributing to disaster prevention and mitigation efforts.
The Long March-6, developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, is a light-capacity, high-speed response rocket. It is capable of placing payloads of at least 1,000 kg into sun-synchronous orbits. The rocket's first stage is powered by the YF-100 engine, a new-generation liquid-fueled engine noted for its efficiency.
This launch follows China's recent space activities in 2025, including the deployment of the Yaogan-40 02 satellite group on May 11 and the launch of the Tianwen-2 spacecraft on May 29. China's ambitious space program also includes future missions such as Tianwen-4, which will explore Jupiter.
The Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, operational since 1968, is strategically located in Kelan County, Shanxi Province. Its dry climate and altitude make it an ideal site for launching satellites into sun-synchronous orbits. China's commitment to advancing its remote sensing capabilities is evident in the continuous development and deployment of the Yaogan series, which are integral to a comprehensive Earth Observation (EO) system.