As reported by CCTV
On Sunday, October 26, 2025, China launched into orbit a new Earth observation satellite Gaofen-14 02. The spacecraft is also planned to be used for national defense needs.
Official sources from the space industry report the launch, without specifying particular media outlets.
The launch vehicle Changzheng-4B (Long March-3B), which lifted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the southwestern Sichuan province at 11:55 local time (5:55 Kyiv time).
According to the manufacturers, Gaofen-14 02 is capable of delivering high-quality stereo imagery globally and taking on geoinformation support for economic development and strengthening the country’s defense capabilities.
Launch Details and Context
The Gaofen family satellites are regarded as a universal tool for Earth observation. They are used to monitor the environment, track air and water quality, inventory natural resources, study climate change, support urban planning, plan road networks, and respond to natural disasters.
This flight marked the 603rd launch of the Long March rocket family.
Oleh Aleksandrov, a staff member of Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service, said that the Foreign Intelligence Service recorded instances of Russia receiving data on space reconnaissance from China for possible missile strikes against Ukraine, including at facilities of foreign investors.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that there is no information about the Chinese side providing space reconnaissance data to Russia for launching missile strikes against Ukraine, and Beijing maintains a fair and objective stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
In summary, the launch demonstrates the role of space technologies in supporting the country’s defense and economic objectives.
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