Long March 12A (China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation)
The Long March 12A is a reusable, active launch vehicle manufactured by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (established in 1999). It undertook its inaugural launch on 12/23/2025.
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.
Long March 12A Specifications
| Alias | CZ-12A |
|---|---|
| Length | 69 m |
| Diameter | 3.8 m |
| Stages | 2 |
| Takeoff Thrust | 5250 kN |
| LEO Capacity | 12000 kg |
| SSO Capacity | 7300 kg |
Long March 12A Launch Record
| Total Launches | 1 |
|---|---|
| Successful Launches | 1 |
| Consecutive Successful Launches | 1 |
Long March 12A Landing Record
| Attempted Landings | 1 |
|---|---|
| Failed Landings | 1 |
Manufacturer
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.