A Long March 3B rocket launches ChinaSat-9C from Xichang Satellite Launch Center at night, with flames and smoke billowing from the base and the illuminated rocket lifting off against a dark sky.
A Long March 3B carrying the ChinaSat-9C satellite lifts off from Xichang spaceport, June 20, 2025. Credit: CASC

HELSINKI — China launched the ChinaSat-9C communications satellite Friday to replace an aging, foreign-built predecessor and boost domestic broadcasting capabilities.

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Andrew Jones writes about China's space industry, including civilian programs, space science and exploration, policy, and commercial developments for SpaceNews, and writes the China Report newsletter. He has additional bylines in Scientific American,...