ANDREW CHAIKIN, Author at SpaceNews - Page 2 of 86

China’s Lanyue crewed lunar lander undergoing a landing and ascent test at the extraterrestrial celestial body landing test facility in Huailai, Hebei Province, on August 6, 2025. The lander is suspended from a large steel tower structure and firing its thrusters, producing a yellow exhaust plume characteristic of hypergolic propellants.

Civil

China set for high-stakes moon program and reusable launch tests to close out 2025

by Andrew Jones September 30, 2025September 30, 2025

A Long March 2D rocket lifts off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China, leaving a trail of flame and smoke against mist-covered hills.

China sends experimental Shiyan-30 satellites into orbit as launch cadence intensifies

by Andrew Jones September 30, 2025September 30, 2025

Galactic Energy secures $336 million, nears debut of new reusable and solid rockets

by Andrew Jones September 28, 2025September 28, 2025

China boosts broadband, IoT and weather satellite fleets with flurry of launches

by Andrew Jones September 27, 2025September 28, 2025

A Jielong-3 rocket lifts off from a sea launch platform at night, its bright exhaust plume illuminating clouds of smoke and silhouetting a crowd of spectators in the foreground.

Geespace secures $281 million for IoT constellation and global HQ

by Andrew Jones September 24, 2025September 24, 2025

The third Long March 7A rocket lifts off from Wenchang, Dec. 23, 2021, carrying two Shiyan-12 satellites.

Chinese spacecraft image Maxar remote sensing and U.S. early warning satellites

by Andrew Jones September 23, 2025September 23, 2025

A Long March 8A rocket lifts off at night from the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Center, with bright flames and exhaust clouds illuminating the launch tower and surrounding gantry structures.

Policy & Politics

China promotes direct-to-device satellite services with new guidelines and licensing

by Andrew Jones September 19, 2025September 19, 2025

Launch startup iSpace secures fresh funding as hot fire tests heat up China’s reusable rocket race

by Andrew Jones September 18, 2025September 18, 2025

Plumes of exhaust rise above trees during a tethered hot-fire test of a Long March 10 first stage at the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan, China, September 12, 2025. The test stand and service tower are visible with cranes and support structures in the background.

Civil

China completes second hot-fire test for new moon rocket, including engine restarts

by Andrew Jones September 12, 2025September 12, 2025

A Long March 7A rocket lifts off from Wenchang Satellite Launch Center on Hainan Island, leaving a trail of smoke and flames against the backdrop of the South China Sea.

China launches mystery Yaogan-45 spysat, expands Geesatcom constellation

by Andrew Jones September 9, 2025September 9, 2025