China Successfully Launches First Reusable Test Satellite

Launch of Seojen-19 Experimental Satellite

Chinese media reported on the 28th that China has successfully launched its first reusable test satellite.

China launches first reusable test satellite. Photo by Xinhua News Agency

According to local media such as the state-run Xinhua News Agency and Guangming Daily, China's first reusable returnable experimental satellite Shijian (實踐)-19 was launched into the air aboard the Long March (長征)-2D rocket at around 6:30 PM (local time) the previous day. Xinhua reported that the satellite smoothly reached its planned orbit.

The Shijian-19 satellite was developed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), a state-owned Chinese space enterprise. It carries plant seeds selected by Chinese authorities and is expected to conduct plant breeding experiments in outer space in the future.

This launch marks the 537th mission carried out by the Long March series rockets. Since reusable rockets or satellites do not need to be newly manufactured from scratch, they offer higher sustainability and cost efficiency; however, except for test purposes, China has never officially succeeded in launching reusable rockets or satellites.

In the field of rocket reusability, the United States' SpaceX currently dominates. SpaceX has partially reused the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets to reduce launch costs and increase the profitability of orbital flights.