CASC Queqiao-2 Long March 8
Rocket Launch Video Streams
About the Queqiao-2 Mission
| Type | Planetary Science |
|---|---|
| Orbit | Lunar Orbit |
Queqiao-2 is a Chinese artificial satellite to serve as a communications relay for future Chinese lunar far side missions that cannot communicate directly with the Earth, beginning with the Chang'e 6 lunar sample return mission in 2024.
It will operate from a Distant Retrograde Orbit (DRO) of the Moon.
The launch also carries the Tiandu-1 & 2 small satellites testing cis-lunar space navigation and inter-satellite communication techniques for CNSA’s Deep Space Exploration Laboratory (DSEL).
Launch Pad & Location
201
Wenchang Space Launch Site, People's Republic of China
| Launches | 33 |
|---|---|
| Orbital Launch Attempts | 33 |
| Total Launches | 74 |
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 8 Rocket
Long March 8 (Chinese: 长征八号运载火箭) is an orbital launch vehicle developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology to launch up to 5000 kg to a 700 km altitude Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). The rocket is based on the Long March 7 with its first stage and 2 out of its 4 boosters, along with the existing liquid hydrogen burning 3rd stage of the Long March 3A/3B/3C and 7A as its 2nd stage.
A "Core Only" version omitting the boosters is also available.
| Length | 50.3 m |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 3.4 m |
| Stages | 2 |
| Launch Mass | 356.0 T |
| Takeoff Thrust | 4,800.0 kN |
| LEO Capacity | 8,100 kg |
| GTO Capacity | 2,800 kg |
| SSO Capacity | 5,000 kg |
| Maiden Flight | 12/22/2020 |
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.
| Total Launches | 617 |
|---|---|
| Successful | 601 |
| Failed | 16 |
| Pending | 8 |
| Consecutive Success | 8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the CASC Long March 8 Queqiao-2 launch scheduled?
The CASC Long March 8 Queqiao-2 launch was scheduled for:
.
Where can I watch the CASC Long March 8 Queqiao-2 launch video?
You can watch the CASC Long March 8 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 8 Queqiao-2 mission launch from?
The CASC Long March 8 rocket launched from 201 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 Queqiao-2 mission?
The Queqiao-2 mission launched aboard a CASC Long March 8 rocket. Long March 8 (Chinese: 长征八号运载火箭) is an orbital launch vehicle developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology to launch up to 5000 kg to a 700 km altitude Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). The rocket is based on the Long March 7 with its first stage and 2 out of its 4 boosters, along with the existing liquid hydrogen burning 3rd stage of the Long March 3A/3B/3C and 7A as its 2nd stage. A "Core Only" version omitting the boosters is also available. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the CASC Long March 8 Queqiao-2 launch?
The CASC Long March 8 Queqiao-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 CASC Long March 8 Queqiao-2 launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest CASC Long March 8 launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Queqiao-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 CASC live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.
Last Updated
Last Updated:
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Launch success.
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Liftoff
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Tweaked T-0.
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Updated launch window per additional NOTAMs.
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Added tentative launch date and window per NOTAMs; Identity of launch with launch vehicle and payload combination uncertain.
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NET March 2024.
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Added launch.