Advanced Space-borne Solar Observatory (ASO-S)
Long March 2D
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
Mission
Advanced Space-borne Solar Observatory (ASO-S)
- Type: Heliophysics
- Orbit: Sun-Synchronous Orbit
- Launch Cost: $30,000,000
ASO-S (Advanced Space-borne Solar Observatory) is a Chinese solar space observatory that aims to study the interaction between the Sun's magnetic field, solar flares and coronal mass ejections. It's the first space solar observatory of China.
ASO-S is a 3-axis stabilized satellite with a mass of less than 1,000 kg with a pointing accuracy of 0.01° and an orientation stability of 1 to 2 arc seconds every 20 seconds. The payload has a mass below 335 kg and consumes about 300 watts. The platform's pointing accuracy is lower than 0.01°, the measurement accuracy is lower than 1 arc second and the orientation drift is below 0.0004°/s.
ASO-S has three instruments:
- The Full-Disc Vector Magnetograph (FMG) instrument is intended to map the magnetic field of the photosphere over the entire solar disk. It includes an imager, an optical polarization system and a CCD detector.
- The Hard X-ray Imager (HXI) camera should image the whole solar disk in X-rays. The instrument is optimized to take images of solar flares.
- A set of three LST (Lyman-alpha Solar Telescope) telescopes is used to observe the Lyman-alpha line (121.6 nm) of solar flares up to a distance of several solar radii from the Sun's disk. These three telescopes are SDI (to obtain an image of the solar disk), SCI (coronagraph for observation between 1.1 and 2.5 solar radii) and WST (white light emitted by the solar disk used for calibration purposes).
Location
Launch Area 94 (SLS-2 / 603)
Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China
Launch Area 94 (SLS-2 / 603) has witnessed the launch of 134 rockets, including 134 orbital launch attempts. While Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China, has been the site for 277 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).
Rocket
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2D
The Long March 2D, also known as the Chang Zheng 2D, CZ-2D and LM-2D, is a Chinese orbital carrier rocket. It is a 2-stage carrier rocket mainly used for launching LEO and SSO satellites.
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 Long March 2D launch scheduled?
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2D launch carrying the Advanced Space-borne Solar Observatory (ASO-S) mission was scheduled for:
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Where did the Long March 2D launch from?
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2D rocket launched from Launch Area 94 (SLS-2 / 603) 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 Advanced Space-borne Solar Observatory (ASO-S) mission?
The Advanced Space-borne Solar Observatory (ASO-S) mission launched aboard a China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2D rocket. The Long March 2D, also known as the Chang Zheng 2D, CZ-2D and LM-2D, is a Chinese orbital carrier rocket. It is a 2-stage carrier rocket mainly used for launching LEO and SSO satellites. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed this launch?
The Long March 2D 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 launch is delayed?
This page is updated in real-time with the latest launch status, including any delays or scrubs. 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 live streams for the most immediate range updates.
