Long March 8A (China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation)
The Long March 8A is a non-reusable, active launch vehicle manufactured by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (established in 1999). It undertook its inaugural launch on 02/11/2025.
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.
Long March 8A Specifications
| Variant | A |
|---|---|
| Length | 50.5 m |
| Diameter | 3.35 m |
| Stages | 2 |
| Launch Mass | 371 T |
| Takeoff Thrust | 4800 kN |
| LEO Capacity | 9800 kg |
| GTO Capacity | 3500 kg |
| SSO Capacity | 7000 kg |
Long March 8A Launch Record
| Total Launches | 11 |
|---|---|
| Successful Launches | 11 |
| Consecutive Successful Launches | 11 |
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.