Mission Log

Launch Provider

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation

Country

China

Founded

1999

Leadership

Chairman & President: Lei Fanpei

Launch Record

592 success, 15 failed

The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) is the main contractor for the Chinese space program. It is state-owned and has a number of subordinate entities which design, develop and manufacture a range of spacecraft, launch vehicles, strategic and tactical missile systems, and ground equipment. It was officially established in July 1999 as part of a Chinese government reform drive, having previously been one part of the former China Aerospace Corporation. Various incarnations of the program date back to 1956.

Type

Unknown

Target Orbit

Unknown

Details TBD.

Height

50.5 m

Diameter

3.35 m

Liftoff Mass

371.0 t

Liftoff Thrust

4800.0 kN

Mass to LEO

9800.0 kg

Mass to GTO

3500.0 kg

Reusable

No

Maiden Flight

2025-02-11

Launch Success

9 / 9

Consecutive Success

9

The Long March 8A is an orbital launch vehicle developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology based on the Long March 8. It has an increased capability of up to 7 tonnes to a 700 km altitude sun-synchronous orbit. It implements a larger 3.35 meters diameter liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen 2nd stage, coupled with 2 upgraded version of the YF-75D engines used on the Long March 5 (known as the YF-75H) with increased thrust to 10 tonnes each through measures such as increased turbopump speeds. The Long March 8A can also use a larger 5.2 meters diameter payload fairing.

Commercial LC-1, Wenchang Space Launch Site, People's Republic of China

The Wenchang Space Launch Site is a rocket launch site located in Wenchang on the island of Hainan, in China. Formally a suborbital test center, it currently serves as China's southernmost spaceport. The site was selected for its low latitude, 19° north of the equator, allowing for larger payloads to be launched. It is capable of launching the Long March 5, the heaviest Chinese rocket. Unlike launch facilities on the mainland, Wenchang uses its seaport for deliveries.