China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Demo Flight Long March 12A
About the Demo Flight Mission
- Type: Test Flight
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
First test launch of CASC/SAST’s Long March 12A rocket, with a dummy payload. The rocket’s 1st stage attempted to land on a landing pad about 300 km downrange of the launch site.
Launch Pad & Location
Long March 12 series Pad
Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China
The Long March 12 series Pad launch pad has hosted 2 rocket launches, including 2 orbital launch attempts. The Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China launch site has been the location for 287 total rocket launches.
Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center is a Chinese spaceport located between the Ejin, Alxa, Inner Mongolia and Hangtian Town, Jinta County, Jiuquan, Gansu Province. It is part of the Dongfeng Aerospace City (Base 10).
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12A Rocket
Long March 12A/Changzheng 12A (LM-12A/CZ-12A) is a reusable orbital launch vehicle developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST) 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 methane/liquid oxygen powered rocket engines in both stages.
The first stage uses 7 Longyun-70 engines designed and manufactured by the private company Jiuzhou Yunjian (JZYJ), while the second stage uses 1 YF-209V engine 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.
Learn more about the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12A Rocket
Booster Landing & Recovery
Core LM-12A F1
The Long March 12A first stage booster performed its entry burn with issues and the booster crashed within several kilometers of the landing pad. Reusable booster LM-12A F1 last flew on 12/23/2025 and has completed 0 successful launch and landing missions. First stage booster used on the 1st flight of CASC's Long March 12A rocket. Booster attempted to land downrange on its dedicated landing pad, but the entry-landing burn was abnormal and it impacted the ground several kilometers from the landing pad.
Long March 12A Landing Site - CZ-12A LZ
Landing site for first stage boosters of CASC’s Long March 12A rocket at Minqin County, Gansu Province, China.
Vertical Landing - VL
Vertical landing using engines
About China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
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.
Learn more about China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12A Demo Flight launch scheduled?
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12A Demo Flight launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12A Demo Flight mission launch from?
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12A rocket launched from Long March 12 series Pad at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China. Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center is a Chinese spaceport located between the Ejin, Alxa, Inner Mongolia and Hangtian Town, Jinta County, Jiuquan, Gansu Province. It is part of the Dongfeng Aerospace City (Base 10).
What rocket was used for the Demo Flight mission?
The Demo Flight mission launched aboard a China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12A rocket. Long March 12A/Changzheng 12A (LM-12A/CZ-12A) is a reusable orbital launch vehicle developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST) 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 methane/liquid oxygen powered rocket engines in both stages. <br> <br>The first stage uses 7 Longyun-70 engines designed and manufactured by the private company Jiuzhou Yunjian (JZYJ), while the second stage uses 1 YF-209V engine from CASC's Academy of Aerospace Liquid Propulsion Technology (AALPT). <br> <br>On launch missions where the first stage is recovered, it will land on a down-range landing pad located in Minqin County, Gansu Province. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
Did the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12A booster for Demo Flight attempt a landing?
Yes, the Long March 12A first stage booster attempted a Vertical Landing at a designated landing zone. Booster recovery allows China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation to reuse rocket components, significantly reducing launch costs. Learn more about the landing details.
What weather conditions could have delayed the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12A Demo Flight launch?
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12A Demo Flight launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12A Demo Flight launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12A launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Demo Flight mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.