Tongxin Jishu Shiyan
Chinese satellite program / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Tongxin Jishu Shiyan (TJS, Chinese: 通信技术试验; pinyin: Tōngxìn Jìshù Shìyàn; lit. 'communication technology test') is a Chinese military satellite program operating in geostationary orbit (GEO). TJS satellites are manufactured by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST) and launched from Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC) in China's southern Sichuan Province. TJS is likely the cover name for multiple geostationary military satellite programs and should not be confused with the similarly named Shiyan satellite program.[1]
通信技术试验 Tōngxìn Jìshù Shìyàn | |
Program overview | |
---|---|
Country | People's Republic of China |
Organization | SAST CAST |
Purpose | Reconnaissance |
Status | Active |
Program history | |
Duration | 2015–Present |
First flight | 12 September 2015 |
Successes | 10 |
Failures | 0 |
Launch site(s) | Xichang Satellite Launch Center Wenchang Space Launch Site |
Unlike traditional, non-military satellites where the Chinese government announces the satellite's name, mission, platform, launch vehicle, and launch site in advance, with TJS satellites the Chinese government announces airspace closures the day before and makes vague statements on the satellite's purpose after the launch.[2]
Although the true purpose of TJS satellites remains classified, satellite observers speculate these satellites provide early warning and signals intelligence (SIGINT) for the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).[3][4]