CASC SatNet LEO Group 17 Long March 8A
About the SatNet LEO Group 17 Mission
| Type | Communications |
|---|---|
| Orbit | Low Earth Orbit |
A batch of 9 Low Earth Orbit communication satellites for the Chinese state owned SatNet constellation operated by the China Satellite Network Group.
The constellation will eventually consists of 13000 satellites.
Launch Pad & Location
Commercial LC-1
Wenchang Space Launch Site, People's Republic of China
| Launches | 14 |
|---|---|
| Orbital Launch Attempts | 14 |
| 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 8A Rocket
The Long March 8A is an orbital launch vehicle developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology based on the Long March 8. It has an increased capability of up to 7 tonnes to a 700 km altitude sun-synchronous orbit. It implements a larger 3.35 meters diameter liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen 2nd stage, coupled with 2 upgraded version of the YF-75D engines used on the Long March 5 (known as the YF-75H) with increased thrust to 10 tonnes each through measures such as increased turbopump speeds.
The Long March 8A can also use a larger 5.2 meters diameter payload fairing.
| Length | 50.5 m |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 3.4 m |
| Stages | 2 |
| Launch Mass | 371.0 T |
| Takeoff Thrust | 4,800.0 kN |
| LEO Capacity | 9,800 kg |
| GTO Capacity | 3,500 kg |
| SSO Capacity | 7,000 kg |
| Maiden Flight | 2/11/2025 |
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 8A SatNet LEO Group 17 launch scheduled?
The CASC Long March 8A SatNet LEO Group 17 launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the CASC Long March 8A SatNet LEO Group 17 mission launch from?
The CASC Long March 8A rocket launched from Commercial LC-1 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 SatNet LEO Group 17 mission?
The SatNet LEO Group 17 mission launched aboard a CASC Long March 8A rocket. The Long March 8A is an orbital launch vehicle developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology based on the Long March 8. It has an increased capability of up to 7 tonnes to a 700 km altitude sun-synchronous orbit. It implements a larger 3.35 meters diameter liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen 2nd stage, coupled with 2 upgraded version of the YF-75D engines used on the Long March 5 (known as the YF-75H) with increased thrust to 10 tonnes each through measures such as increased turbopump speeds. The Long March 8A can also use a larger 5.2 meters diameter payload fairing. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the CASC Long March 8A SatNet LEO Group 17 launch?
The CASC Long March 8A SatNet LEO Group 17 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 8A SatNet LEO Group 17 launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest CASC Long March 8A launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the SatNet LEO Group 17 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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Refined launch window per new NOTAMs.
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Added launch per NOTAMs; Payload and launch vehicle identities uncertain.