Long March 12A (China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation)
Photo Credit: CASC
The Long March 12A, manufactured by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation established in 1999, undertook its inaugural launch on 12/23/2025, is reusable and is active.
Long March 12A has 1 successful launches and 0 failed attempts, with a cumulative tally of 1 launches, currently with 0 pending launches in the pipeline.
Long March 12A/Changzheng 12A (LM-12A/CZ-12A) is a reusable orbital launch vehicle developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST) of the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). The rocket is based on the Long March 12, but extensively re-designed for first stage re-usability, and use of gas generator cycle methane/liquid oxygen powered rocket engines in both stages.
The first stage uses 7 Longyun-70 engines designed and manufactured by the private company Jiuzhou Yunjian (JZYJ), while the second stage uses 1 YF-209V engine from CASC's Academy of Aerospace Liquid Propulsion Technology (AALPT).
On launch missions where the first stage is recovered, it will land on a down-range landing pad located in Minqin County, Gansu Province.
- Length: 69 m
- Diameter: 3.8 m
- LEO Capacity: 12000 kg
- SSO Capacity: 7300 kg
Manufacturer
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC)
Chairman & President: Lei Fanpei
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.
