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China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation • Long March 7A • 201 (NA)
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation • Long March 7A • 201
Top answer
Tianlian is a Chinese data tracking and relay communications geostationary satellite series. The TL-3 (Tian Lian 3) satellites are the 3rd generation of China's geostationary orbit data relay satellites, based on the DFH-4E geostationary satellite bus. They will be used to support real-time communications between orbiting satellites/rockets in-flight and ground control stations. This system replaces/supplements th...
Last refreshed: Jul 29, 2026, 8:36 PM GMT+8. T-Minus Zero keeps this as the canonical launch record and reconciles schedule, mission, payload, media, and provider signals when those records are available.
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Tianlian is a Chinese data tracking and relay communications geostationary satellite series. The TL-3 (Tian Lian 3) satellites are the 3rd generation of China's geostationary orbit data relay satellites, based on the DFH-4E geostationary satellite bus. They will be used to support real-time communications between orbiting satellites/rockets in-flight and ground control stations. This system replaces/supplements the current network of ground-based space tracking and telemetry stations and space tracking ships.
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Tianlian is a Chinese data tracking and relay communications geostationary satellite series. The TL-3 (Tian Lian 3) satellites are the 3rd generation of China's geostationary orbit data relay satellites, based on the DFH-4E geostationary satellite bus. They will be used to support real-time communications between orbiting satellites/rockets in-flight and ground control stations. This system replaces/supplements the current network of ground-based space tracking and telemetry stations and space tracking ships.
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) is the main contractor for the Chinese space program. It is state-owned and has a number of subordinate entities which design, develop and manufacture a range of spacecraft, launch vehicles, strategic and tactical missile systems, and ground equipment. It was officially established in July 1999 as part of a Chinese government reform drive, having previously been one part of the former China Aerospace Corporation. Various incarnations of the program date back to 1956.
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A broad, sunlit jellyfish-style plume is unlikely at the launch area under the current model. The rocket may still be visible as a point.
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The setup is weak right now because multiple parts of the visibility chain are underperforming.
This outlook evaluates whether a broad, sunlit ascent plume could stand out. It does not yet predict whether a specific vehicle will produce one, and an unfavorable plume outlook does not mean the rocket itself will be invisible.
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