What rocket is launching Demo Flight?

Demo Flight is launching on the Long March 12A.

Who is launching Demo Flight?

Demo Flight is being launched by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, a government launch provider founded in 1999.

Where is Demo Flight launching from?

Demo Flight is launching from Long March 12 series Pad at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China.

What orbit is Demo Flight heading to?

Demo Flight is heading to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Is the Long March 12A reusable?

Yes — the Long March 12A is designed to be reused, with boosters that can fly multiple missions.

How many times has the Long March 12A flown?

The Long March 12A has launched 1 times to date, with 1 successful flights.

Back to Launches

Demo Flight

Name: Demo Flight — Long March 12A
Start: 2025-12-23T02:00:00Z
End: 2025-12-23T04:14:00Z
Location: Long March 12 series Pad

Test Flight

Success

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation(CASC)Government

Long March 12ALEOorbit

Overview

First test launch of CASC/SAST’s Long March 12A rocket, with a dummy payload. The rocket’s 1st stage attempted to land on a landing pad about 300 km downrange of the launch site.

Mission details

Orbital Attempt

#7,166

CASC Mission

#566

Pad Launch

Location Launch

#272

Launch Window

NET

Dec 23, 2025, 2:00 AM

Precision

Minute

Schedule Changes

1 update

Long March 12 series Pad

Total Launches

Orbital Attempts

Fastest Turnaround

5mo 10d

Wikipedia Map

Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China

Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center is a Chinese spaceport located between the Ejin, Alxa, Inner Mongolia and Hangtian Town, Jinta County, Jiuquan, Gansu Province. It is part of the Dongfeng Aerospace City (Base 10).

Timezone

Asia/Shanghai

Local Launch Time

Dec 23, 2025, 10:00 AM

Total Launches

291

Total Landings

Coordinates

40.9581, 100.2911

View location page

Frequently asked questions

Long March 12A Specs

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

Thrust

5,250 kN

Capacity

12,000 kg

Capacity

7,300 kg

Reusable

Yes

Maiden Flight

2025

Total Launches

Successful

Failed

Consecutive Success

Maiden flight: Dec 23, 2025

Wikipedia

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation

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.

Founded

1999

Administrator

Chairman & President: Lei Fanpei

Total Launches

604

Successful

589

Failed

Pending

Consecutive Success

Wikipedia Website

Overview

Mission details

Launch Window

Long March 12 series Pad

Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China

Frequently asked questions

What rocket is launching Demo Flight?

Who is launching Demo Flight?

Where is Demo Flight launching from?

What orbit is Demo Flight heading to?

Is the Long March 12A reusable?

How many times has the Long March 12A flown?

What is the Demo Flight mission?