Tianlian II-02 Satellite Overview

Tianlian II-02 is a Chinese second-generation geostationary data relay satellite, part of the advanced Tianlian II (Space Relay) network. It is operated by the China Satellite Launch and Tracking Control General (CLTC) and was launched on December 13, 2021, aboard a Long March 3B (CZ-3B) rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

Developed by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) and based on the upgraded DFH-4 satellite platform, the satellite delivers high-speed data relay, telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) services for spacecraft in low Earth orbit (LEO).

The satellite plays a critical role in supporting:

• The Tiangong space station
• Shenzhou crewed missions
• Tianzhou cargo spacecraft
• Earth observation and scientific satellites

Operating in geostationary orbit (GEO), the satellite enables near-continuous communication coverage, significantly improving data throughput, reliability, and mission efficiency compared to the first-generation Tianlian system.

As part of China’s expanding relay satellite constellation, Tianlian II-02 strengthens the country’s space-based communication infrastructure, ensuring robust, real-time connectivity for both human spaceflight and satellite operations.