Einstein Probe
Long March 2C
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
Rocket Launch Video
Mission
Einstein Probe
- Type: Astrophysics
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
The Einstein Probe (EP) is a Chinese Wide-Field X-ray astronomy observatory for detecting high energy flashes of cataclysmic cosmic events. These includes tidal disruption events (stars pulled apart by supermassive black holes), supernovae, and high-energy, electromagnetic counterparts of gravitational wave events.
The spacecraft, weighing ~1400 kilograms, will be launched into a 600-kilometer-high, low-inclination orbit. The probe's instruments include a Wide-field X-ray Telescope (WXT) with a field of view of 3,600 square degrees, employing cutting-edge "lobster eye" optics to view X-ray events more deeply and widely than previously possible, and a Follow-up X-ray Telescope (FXT), developed in collaboration with Europe, that performs follow-up detailed observations as soon as WXT detects an X-ray event.
The Einstein Probe mission is managed by the NSSC, with participation from the CAS's NAOC, the Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP), the Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics (SITP), and the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites, a spacecraft manufacturer that has previously produced space science and Beidou navigation spacecraft.
The European Space Agency is contributing to the mission with a mirror module for the FXT instrument, as well as ground station and science management support. The FXT instrument is also supported by Germany's Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics.
Location
Launch Complex 3 (LC-3/LA-1)
Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China
Launch Complex 3 (LC-3/LA-1) has witnessed the launch of 107 rockets, including 107 orbital launch attempts. While Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China, has been the site for 239 rocket launches.
The Xichang Satellite Launch Center is a spaceport in China. It is located in Zeyuan Town, northwest of Xichang, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan.
Rocket
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2C
The Long March 2C is a family of expendable launch vehicles made and operated by China. It is a two stage launch vehicle with storable propellants, consisting of Nitrogen Tetroxide and Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine.
Agency
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 2C Einstein Probe launch scheduled?
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2C Einstein Probe launch was scheduled for:
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Where can I watch the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2C Einstein Probe launch video?
You can watch the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2C launch video on this page. The official video includes full mission coverage with multiple camera angles, onboard views, and expert commentary covering pre-launch procedures, liftoff, stage separation, and payload deployment.
Where did the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2C Einstein Probe mission launch from?
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2C rocket launched from Launch Complex 3 (LC-3/LA-1) at Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China. The Xichang Satellite Launch Center is a spaceport in China. It is located in Zeyuan Town, northwest of Xichang, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan.
What rocket was used for the Einstein Probe mission?
The Einstein Probe mission launched aboard a China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2C rocket. The Long March 2C is a family of expendable launch vehicles made and operated by China. It is a two stage launch vehicle with storable propellants, consisting of Nitrogen Tetroxide and Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2C Einstein Probe launch?
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2C Einstein Probe 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 2C Einstein Probe launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2C launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Einstein Probe 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.