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CASC Shenzhou 23 Long March 2F/G

Launch Status
Success

Rocket Launch Video Streams

Weather Forecast During Launch

The forecast calls for a temperature of 71°F, clear skies, 0% cloud cover and a wind speed of 18mph.

Meet the Astronaut Crew

China National Space Administration Astronaut Zhu Yangzhu, Shenzhou 23 Commander

Zhu Yangzhu

Astronaut details for Zhu Yangzhu
Birthday09/01/1986
RoleCommander
NationalityChina
First Flight05/30/2023
Last Flight05/24/2026

Zhu Yangzhu is a Chinese pilot and astronaut selected as part of the Shenzhou program. He enlisted in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in September...

China National Space Administration Astronaut Lai Ka-ying, Shenzhou 23 Operator

Lai Ka-ying

Astronaut details for Lai Ka-ying
Birthday11/01/1982
RoleOperator
NationalityChina
First Flight05/24/2026
Last Flight05/24/2026

(Placeholder)

China National Space Administration Astronaut Zhang Zhiyuan, Shenzhou 23 Operator

Zhang Zhiyuan

Astronaut details for Zhang Zhiyuan
Birthday06/01/1986
RoleOperator
NationalityChina
First Flight05/24/2026
Last Flight05/24/2026

Zhang Zhiyuan is a Chinese astronaut selected as part of the Shenzhou program. He enlisted in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force in September...

About the Shenzhou 23 Mission

Mission details for Shenzhou 23
TypeHuman Exploration
OrbitLow Earth Orbit

Shenzhou 23 will be the 23rd flight of the Shenzhou program.

Launch Pad & Location

Launch Area 91 (SLS-1 / 921)

Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China

Launch statistics for Launch Area 91 (SLS-1 / 921) at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China
Launches29
Orbital Launch Attempts29
Total Launches298

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).

CASC Long March 2F/G 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.

The Long March 2F/G version includes longer boosters for increased lift capability, among other improvements.

Rocket specifications for CASC Long March 2F/G
Length62.0 m
Diameter3.4 m
Stages2
Launch Mass464.0 T
LEO Capacity8,399 kg
Maiden Flight10/31/2011

Learn more about the CASC Long March 2F/G Rocket

Mission Spacecraft

Shenzhou 23

Shenzhou 23 (23) was the spacecraft used for this mission. It is a China National Space Administration Capsule designed for Chinese crewed spaceflight program. and traveled to Tiangong space station.

Spacecraft used to launch 3 astronauts on the 11th crewed mission to the Chinese Space Station. The Shenzhou spacecraft resembles the Soyuz, although it is longer, with a larger habitable volume. It features a powered service module like the Soyuz, and prior to Shenzhou 8 its orbital module was capable of autonomous flight.

The aft service module contains life support and other equipment required for the functioning of Shenzhou. 200 day design life.

Spacecraft details for Shenzhou 23
TypeCapsule
AgencyChina National Space Administration
Serial Number23
StatusSingle Use
DestinationTiangong space station
Maiden Flight11/19/1999
Flights1
Crew Capacity3
Human RatedYes
Height9.3 m
Diameter2.8 m

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.

Launch statistics for CASC
Total Launches617
Successful601
Failed16
Pending8
Consecutive Success8

Learn more about CASC

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the CASC Long March 2F/G Shenzhou 23 launch scheduled?

The CASC Long March 2F/G Shenzhou 23 launch was scheduled for:
.

Where can I watch the CASC Long March 2F/G Shenzhou 23 launch video?

You can watch the CASC Long March 2F/G 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 CASC Long March 2F/G Shenzhou 23 mission launch from?

The CASC Long March 2F/G 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 23 mission?

The Shenzhou 23 mission launched aboard a CASC Long March 2F/G 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. The Long March 2F/G version includes longer boosters for increased lift capability, among other improvements. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.

What weather conditions could have delayed the CASC Long March 2F/G Shenzhou 23 launch?

The CASC Long March 2F/G Shenzhou 23 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 2F/G Shenzhou 23 launch was delayed?

This page was updated in real-time with the latest CASC Long March 2F/G launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Shenzhou 23 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:

  • Launch success.

  • Liftoff.

  • Unofficial Webcast by CGTN has started

  • NET May 24 per new NOTAMs.

  • NET late May.

  • Added launch

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