China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Flight 2 Long March 12A
About the Flight 2 Mission
- Type: Test Flight
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
Second test launch of CASC/SAST’s Long March 12A rocket. Payload identities are TBD.
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 292 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
The Long March 12A first stage booster will attempt to land on its downrange landing pad. The rocket booster serial number is currently unknown. Check back for updates on booster recovery details and landing information.
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 is the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12A Flight 2 launch scheduled?
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12A Flight 2 launch is currently scheduled for:
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Launch times are subject to change based on weather conditions, technical readiness, and range availability. Check back regularly for the most up-to-date launch time and status updates.
Where is the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12A Flight 2 mission launching from?
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12A rocket will launch 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). For viewing location recommendations and tips, check the launch location details above.
What rocket is being used for the Flight 2 mission?
The Flight 2 mission will launch 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.
Will the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12A booster for Flight 2 attempt a landing?
Yes, the Long March 12A first stage booster will attempt 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. Watch the live stream to see the landing attempt in real-time. Learn more about the landing details.
What weather conditions could delay the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12A Flight 2 launch?
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12A Flight 2 launch can be 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. Check the launch weather forecast above for current conditions and probability of favorable weather.
How can I get updates if the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12A Flight 2 launch is delayed?
This page is 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 Flight 2 mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for the most current information. Enable push notifications through our mobile app to receive instant alerts about launch status changes, weather holds, or new launch times. We recommend following official China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation live streams for the most immediate range updates.