Tianlian 1

Meet China's tracking and data relay communications network.

Equivalent to NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system and ESA's European Tracking and Data Relay network, Tianlian 1 provides communication connections for Chinese missions, including human flights on Shenzhou, to the former Tiangong space stations, and with the nation's current modular Chinese Space Station.

The first Tianlian 1 was launched on April 25th, 2008. A second followed on July 11th, 2011, with a third making the trip to space on July 25th, 2012. The fourth joined the constellation on November 22nd, 2016.

All Tianlian 1 satellites are placed in various locations in Geostationary Orbit, a distance of 35,786 km above Earth sea level, to provide near-global communications with spacecraft and space stations.

This is the Chang Zheng 3B/E rocket.

It is an upgraded version of the retired Chang Zheng 3 and sports a longer first stage and longer boosters that allow it to carry heavier satellites into space.

Despite its success and capability, it uses highly toxic propellants for its first two stages and boosters: hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide. Exposure to these fuels before launch and as the boosters and stages fall back to Earth near (and sometimes on) populated and un-evacuated villages can lead to severe health issues.

The rocket is being replaced with newer Chang Zheng rockets that use more standard, non-toxic fuels like liquid hydrogen, liquid methane, and liquid oxygen.

In recent years, the LM-3B/E launch vehicle is developed to increase the GTO capacity up to 5,500kg. LM-3B/E has nearly the same configurations with LM-3B except its enlarged core stage and boosters.

Photo credit: CASC

The space center was built in the early 1980s and takes its name from the closest city, Xichang in Sichuan Province, the People's Republic of China.

It is used to launch international scientific and commercial missions as well as satellites for the military.

The site is landlocked, so launches have to take place over land and populated areas.

This creates a potential danger to people living in the path of falling rocket stages and boosters that are discarded during launch.

Photo credit: CGTN