CASC DRO-A/B Long March 2C/YZ-1S
About the DRO-A/B Mission
| Type | Technology |
|---|---|
| Orbit | Lunar Orbit |
Two spacecraft by the Chinese Academy of Sciences designed to perform communication and navigation testing from a Distant Retrograde Orbit (DRO) around the Moon with a 3rd satellite in Low Earth Orbit.
Upper stage problem; payload deployed to wrong orbit.
Launch Pad & Location
Launch Complex 3 (LC-3/LA-1)
Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China
| Launches | 108 |
|---|---|
| Orbital Launch Attempts | 108 |
| Total Launches | 242 |
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.
CASC Long March 2C/YZ-1S 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.
| Length | 42.0 m |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 3.4 m |
| Stages | 3 |
| Launch Mass | 233.0 T |
| Takeoff Thrust | 2,962.0 kN |
| LEO Capacity | 3,850 kg |
| GTO Capacity | 1,250 kg |
| SSO Capacity | 1,400 kg |
| Maiden Flight | 10/9/2018 |
About CASC
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.
| Total Launches | 617 |
|---|---|
| Successful | 601 |
| Failed | 16 |
| Pending | 8 |
| Consecutive Success | 8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the CASC Long March 2C/YZ-1S DRO-A/B launch scheduled?
The CASC Long March 2C/YZ-1S DRO-A/B launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the CASC Long March 2C/YZ-1S DRO-A/B mission launch from?
The CASC Long March 2C/YZ-1S 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 DRO-A/B mission?
The DRO-A/B mission launched aboard a CASC Long March 2C/YZ-1S 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 CASC Long March 2C/YZ-1S DRO-A/B launch?
The CASC Long March 2C/YZ-1S DRO-A/B 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 CASC Long March 2C/YZ-1S DRO-A/B launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest CASC Long March 2C/YZ-1S launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the DRO-A/B 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 CASC live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.
Last Updated
Last Updated:
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Upper stage problem sent payload to wrong orbit; independent orbit determination results pending.
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Liftoff confirmed
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Added launch per NOTAMs; launch vehicle and payload identities highly uncertain.