CZ-6 launch vehicle blasted off from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center at 11:18 on June 20, 2023, successfully sending Shiyan-25 satellite into the preset orbit, marking a complete success of the launch mission, and the first victory of CZ-6 model this year.

CZ-6 launch vehicle is a 3-stage liquid rocket with propellant at low temperature developed under the overall coordination of Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, and is capable of launching satellites of multiple types and different orbit requirements, and can also implement the launch of single or multiple satellites. The carrying capacity at sun-synchronous orbit can reach 1.0 ton (orbit altitude: 700km).

To adapt to the layout and interface requirements of satellite in the fairing, a support was newly developed based on the overall configuration of the satellite, providing an effective “lift + support” for the satellite. Meanwhile, CZ-6 adopted the point-type connection and separation device that is formed by four components for the first time, in terms of the separation mode of satellite, with light weight and intensive functions. In addition, the dual redundancy function of the single component can also significantly strengthen the reliability of separation.

In light of too many satellite operation projects after the rocket is transferred to the launch area, the model team organized the satellite and rocket designers and operators to carry out a special exchange, and respectively verified the time, procedures, tools and precautions for operation. Meanwhile, a special operation drill was also arranged and the operation procedures were optimized, to ensure controllable time, safety and smoothness in actual operation.

In June, thunderstorms were common at Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, so the model team carried out the re-identification, re-analysis and re-verification of launch risks in summer at the launch site. Based on the characteristics of the CZ-6 launch vehicle, including the “three-horizontal” checking and launching model, and unsupported launch, a special review on rainproof and lightning protection was implemented, including the effectiveness of rainproof and lightning protection measures, the implementation conditions of various measures, and the time to remove rainproof measures before launch, and a tabular inspection and verification document was formed, to ensure that the rocket can meet the pre-launch operation and launch requirements in the thunderstorm season.

The Shiyan-25 satellite launched is developed by DFH Satellite Co., Ltd., which is mainly engaged in carrying out new earth observation technology tests.

This is the 477^th launch of the Long March series of launch vehicles, the 188^th flight test of the Long March series of launch vehicles developed by Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, and the 11^th launch of the CZ-6 launch vehicle.