Long March 12B (China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation)
The Long March 12B is a reusable, active launch vehicle manufactured by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (established in 1999). It undertook its inaugural launch on 06/01/2026.
Long March 12B/Changzheng 12B (LM-12B/CZ-12B) is a reusable orbital launch vehicle developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Commercial Launch Vehicle Group (CACL), a subsidiary company of the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). The rocket is based on the Long March 12, but extensively re-designed for first stage re-usability, and use of gas generator cycle kerosene/liquid oxygen powered rocket engines in both stages.
The first stage uses 9 YF-102R engines and the second stage uses 1 YF-102V engine, both from CASC's Academy of Aerospace Liquid Propulsion Technology (AALPT).
On launch missions where the first stage is recovered, it will land on a down-range landing pad located in Minqin County, Gansu Province.
Long March 12B Specifications
| Alias | CZ-12B |
|---|---|
| Length | 72 m |
| Diameter | 4.37 m |
| Stages | 2 |
| Takeoff Thrust | 7940 kN |
| LEO Capacity | 20000 kg |
| SSO Capacity | 15000 kg |
Long March 12B Launch Record
| Total Launches | 1 |
|---|---|
| Successful Launches | 1 |
| Consecutive Successful Launches | 1 |
Manufacturer
Chairman & President: Lei Fanpei
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.