Tianlian is a Chinese data tracking and relay communications geostationary satellite series. The TL-3 (Tian Lian 3) satellites are the 3rd generation of China's geostationary orbit data relay satellites, based on the DFH-4E geostationary satellite bus. They will be used to support real-time communications between orbiting satellites/rockets in-flight and ground control stations. This system replaces/supplements the current network of ground-based space tracking and telemetry stations and space tracking ships. July 29, 2026 at 11:50 UTC · Launch Successful Long March 7A — China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, to Geostationary Transfer Orbit 201, Wenchang Space Launch Site, People's Republic of China The world's 7351st orbital launch attempt, and 178th of 2026. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTdmPsAGqb8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNwuAZ7WLaI Data: Launch Library 2, The Space Devs. Image by CASC via The Space Devs.