Never Miss a Rocket Launch

Get the Space Launch Schedule your way with our apps, content, and supporter benefits.

Get Our Mobile App

View the launch schedule, receive notifications, and watch live video on iOS or Android.

Go Ad-Free

Support us on Patreon for just $3/month and enjoy an ad-free website experience.

Get Social

Receive the daily launch schedule and follow our latest launch coverage on social media.

CASC Chang'e 6 Long March 5

Launch Status
Success

Rocket Launch Video Streams

About the Chang'e 6 Mission

Mission details for Chang'e 6
TypePlanetary Science
OrbitLunar Orbit

Chang'e 6/CE-6 is scheduled to launch in 2024 to return samples from the Far Side of the Moon (near southern edge of the Apollo Basin) for the first time. International science instruments from France, Italy, Sweden and Pakistan will also be on board.

Launch Pad & Location

101

Wenchang Space Launch Site, People's Republic of China

Launch statistics for 101 at Wenchang Space Launch Site, People's Republic of China
Launches18
Orbital Launch Attempts18
Total Launches74

The Wenchang Space Launch Site is a rocket launch site located in Wenchang on the island of Hainan, in China.

Formally a suborbital test center, it currently serves as China's southernmost spaceport. The site was selected for its low latitude, 19° north of the equator, allowing for larger payloads to be launched. It is capable of launching the Long March 5, the heaviest Chinese rocket. Unlike launch facilities on the mainland, Wenchang uses its seaport for deliveries.

CASC Long March 5 Rocket

Long March 5 is a Chinese heavy lift launch system developed by China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT). CZ-5 is the first Chinese vehicle designed from the ground up to focus on non-hypergolic liquid rocket propellants. Currently, two CZ-5 vehicle configurations are planned, with maximum payload capacities of ~25,000 kilograms (55,000 lb) to LEO and ~14,000 kilograms (31,000 lb) to GTO. The Long March 5 roughly matches the capabilities of American EELV heavy-class vehicles such as the Delta IV Heavy.

Rocket specifications for CASC Long March 5
Length57.0 m
Diameter5.0 m
Stages2
Launch Mass867.0 T
Takeoff Thrust10,600.0 kN
LEO Capacity25,000 kg
GTO Capacity14,000 kg
Maiden Flight11/3/2016

Learn more about the CASC Long March 5 Rocket

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 5 Chang'e 6 launch scheduled?

The CASC Long March 5 Chang'e 6 launch was scheduled for:
.

Where can I watch the CASC Long March 5 Chang'e 6 launch video?

You can watch the CASC Long March 5 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 5 Chang'e 6 mission launch from?

The CASC Long March 5 rocket launched from 101 at Wenchang Space Launch Site, People's Republic of China. The Wenchang Space Launch Site is a rocket launch site located in Wenchang on the island of Hainan, in China. Formally a suborbital test center, it currently serves as China's southernmost spaceport. The site was selected for its low latitude, 19° north of the equator, allowing for larger payloads to be launched. It is capable of launching the Long March 5, the heaviest Chinese rocket. Unlike launch facilities on the mainland, Wenchang uses its seaport for deliveries.

What rocket was used for the Chang'e 6 mission?

The Chang'e 6 mission launched aboard a CASC Long March 5 rocket. Long March 5 is a Chinese heavy lift launch system developed by China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT). CZ-5 is the first Chinese vehicle designed from the ground up to focus on non-hypergolic liquid rocket propellants. Currently, two CZ-5 vehicle configurations are planned, with maximum payload capacities of ~25,000 kilograms (55,000 lb) to LEO and ~14,000 kilograms (31,000 lb) to GTO. The Long March 5 roughly matches the capabilities of American EELV heavy-class vehicles such as the Delta IV Heavy. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.

What weather conditions could have delayed the CASC Long March 5 Chang'e 6 launch?

The CASC Long March 5 Chang'e 6 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 5 Chang'e 6 launch was delayed?

This page was updated in real-time with the latest CASC Long March 5 launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Chang'e 6 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.

  • Spacecraft separation confirmed.

  • Liftoff.

  • Tweaked T-0.

  • Official Webcast by CGTN has started

  • Tweaked T-0.

  • Updated launch window per NOTAMs.

  • NET May 3.

  • NET May 2024.

guest
0 Comments