Shijian 20
Long March 5
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
Mission
Shijian 20
- Type: Communications
- Orbit: Geostationary Transfer Orbit
Shijian 20 is an experimental geostationary communications satellite. This is also a return-to-flight launch for Long March 5 after a July 2017 failure.
Location
101
Wenchang Space Launch Site, People’s Republic of China
101 has witnessed the launch of 11 rockets, including 11 orbital launch attempts, while Wenchang Space Launch Site, People’s Republic of China, has been the site for 28 rocket launches.
Rocket
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 5
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.
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.
