China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Demo Flight (SpaceSail Polar Group #10) Long March 12B
About the Demo Flight (SpaceSail Polar Group #10) Mission
- Type: Test Flight
- Orbit: Polar Orbit
First test launch of CASC/CACL’s Long March 12B rocket; carried a batch of 2 operational Low Earth Orbit communication satellites with Ku, Q and V band payloads for the G60 constellation operated by Shanghai Spacesail Technologies with funding backed by the Shanghai local government.
Initial constellation will consist of 1296 satellites by 2027 with long term plans to expand it to 12000 satellites.
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 12B Rocket
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.
Learn more about the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12B Rocket
Booster Landing & Recovery
Core LM-12B F1
The Long March 12B first stage booster was expended. Reusable booster LM-12B F1 last flew on 06/01/2026 and has completed 0 successful launch and landing missions. First stage booster used on the 1st flight of CASC/CACL's Long March 12B rocket. No booster recovery was attempted, but the booster had landing legs and grid fins installed for testing of booster re-entry aerodynamic conditions.
Unknown - N/A
Expended - EXP
Vehicle did not perform any landing operations after launch
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 12B Demo Flight (SpaceSail Polar Group #10) launch scheduled?
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12B Demo Flight (SpaceSail Polar Group #10) launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12B Demo Flight (SpaceSail Polar Group #10) mission launch from?
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12B 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 (SpaceSail Polar Group #10) mission?
The Demo Flight (SpaceSail Polar Group #10) mission launched aboard a China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12B rocket. 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. <br> <br>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). <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 12B booster for Demo Flight (SpaceSail Polar Group #10) attempt a landing?
Yes, the Long March 12B first stage booster attempted a Expended 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 12B Demo Flight (SpaceSail Polar Group #10) launch?
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12B Demo Flight (SpaceSail Polar Group #10) 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 12B Demo Flight (SpaceSail Polar Group #10) launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12B launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Demo Flight (SpaceSail Polar Group #10) 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.