China's Long March 3B rocket launched a new data relay satellite from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center on July 23, 2026. The rocket made it to its planned orbit despite being struck by lightning during its ascent. Credit: Space.com | footage courtesy: China Central Television (CCTV) / photo by Zhou Quan/VCG via Getty Images| edited by [Steve Spaleta](https://www.instagram.com/spaleta_space_odyssey/)