China Launches 5 Satellites into Orbit

China successfully launched five satellites into space aboard the Lijian-1 Y13 rocket as the country continues expanding its commercial space capabilities.

The rocket lifted off at 12:33pm Beijing time from the Dongfeng commercial aerospace innovation testing zone in northwestern China, successfully placing the satellites into their designated orbits.

The mission marked the 13th flight of the Lijian-1 launch vehicle and the 14th launch in the broader Lijian rocket series, which has now delivered a total of 100 satellites into orbit with combined payloads exceeding 18 tons.

Developed by CAS Space, the Lijian-1 is a solid-fuel carrier rocket designed for rapid-response launch operations and flexible satellite deployment missions.

According to the company, the rocket uses a universal platform architecture that allows compatibility with a wide range of satellite configurations and mission requirements.

Among the satellites launched was Tianyan-27, also known as Yushi, which carries a space display screen, infrared imaging systems, orbital monitoring cameras, and onboard intelligent data-processing technology.

The satellite is expected to conduct in-orbit tests for advanced infrared remote-sensing technologies, alongside experimental missions involving orbital imaging, space “selfies,” and smart data-processing operations.