China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Shenzhou-2 Long March 2F
About the Shenzhou-2 Mission
- Type: Human Exploration
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
Second test flight of the Shenzhou spacecraft, without crew on board. A monkey, a dog, and a rabbit were carried in a test of the spaceship's life support systems. There were also 64 different scientific payloads, including a microgravity crystallography experiment; animal species including six mice, small aquatic and terrestrial organisms; cosmic ray and particle detectors and gamma-ray burst detectors. To test the radio transmitting systems taped messages were broadcast from the spacecraft.
During return to Earth the parachutes failed to open upon re-entry, which resulted in a hard landing of the descent capsule.
Launch Pad & Location
Launch Area 91 (SLS-1 / 921)
Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China
The Launch Area 91 (SLS-1 / 921) launch pad has hosted 29 rocket launches, including 29 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 2F Rocket
The Long March 2F is a Chinese orbital carrier rocket, part of the Long March 2 rocket family. Designed to launch the crewed Shenzhou spacecraft, the Long March 2F is a human-rated two-stage version of the Long March 2E rocket, which in turn was based on the Long March 2C launch vehicle. It is launched from complex SLS at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
Learn more about the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2F Rocket
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 2F Shenzhou-2 launch scheduled?
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2F Shenzhou-2 launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2F Shenzhou-2 mission launch from?
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2F rocket launched from Launch Area 91 (SLS-1 / 921) 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 Shenzhou-2 mission?
The Shenzhou-2 mission launched aboard a China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2F rocket. The Long March 2F is a Chinese orbital carrier rocket, part of the Long March 2 rocket family. Designed to launch the crewed Shenzhou spacecraft, the Long March 2F is a human-rated two-stage version of the Long March 2E rocket, which in turn was based on the Long March 2C launch vehicle. It is launched from complex SLS at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. 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 2F Shenzhou-2 launch?
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2F Shenzhou-2 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 2F Shenzhou-2 launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2F launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Shenzhou-2 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.