China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Shenzhou-3 Long March 2F
About the Shenzhou-3 Mission
- Type: Human Exploration
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
Third test flight of the Shenzhou spacecraft, without crew on board. Main objective of the mission was to test the systems required to support a human in space. A human dummy was carried in the descent module to simulate the physiological signals of a human. 44 different experiments were carried, including an imaging spectrograph, cloud sensor, radiation sensor, solar ultraviolet monitor, solar constant monitor, atmospheric composition detector, atmospheric density detector, multi-chamber space crystallization furnace, space protein crystal equipment, a cell bioreactor, a solid matter tracking detector, and a microgravity gauge. Also on board was a video camera that broadcast images of the Earth as seen through one of the windows on the spacecraft.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2F Shenzhou-3 launch scheduled?
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2F Shenzhou-3 launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2F Shenzhou-3 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-3 mission?
The Shenzhou-3 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-3 launch?
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2F Shenzhou-3 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-3 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-3 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.