What rocket is launching AlSat 3A?

AlSat 3A is launching on the Long March 2C.

Who is launching AlSat 3A?

AlSat 3A is being launched by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, a government launch provider founded in 1999.

Where is AlSat 3A launching from?

AlSat 3A is launching from Launch Area 94 (SLS-2 / 603) at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China.

What orbit is AlSat 3A heading to?

AlSat 3A is heading to Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO).

Is the Long March 2C reusable?

No — the Long March 2C is an expendable launch vehicle.

How many times has the Long March 2C flown?

The Long March 2C has launched 65 times to date, with 64 successful flights.

Back to Launches

AlSat 3A

Name: AlSat 3A — Long March 2C
Start: 2026-01-15T04:01:00Z
End: 2026-01-15T04:17:00Z
Location: Launch Area 94 (SLS-2 / 603)

Earth Science

Success

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation(CASC)Government

Long March 2CSSOorbit

Overview

Earth observation satellite built by China's CAST for the Algerian Space Agency.

Mission details

Orbital Attempt

#7,183

CASC Mission

#573

Pad Launch

#133

Location Launch

#274

Designator

2026-009

Launch Window

NET

Jan 15, 2026, 4:01 AM

Precision

Minute

Schedule Changes

1 update

Lift Off

3:53 AM

Window Open

4:17 AM

Window Close

Launch Area 94 (SLS-2 / 603)

Total Launches

137

Orbital Attempts

137

Fastest Turnaround

10d 18h

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

Jan 15, 2026, 12:01 PM

Total Launches

291

Total Landings

Coordinates

40.9581, 100.2911

View location page

Frequently asked questions

Long March 2C Specs

The Long March 2C is a family of expendable launch vehicles made and operated by China. It is a two stage launch vehicle with storable propellants, consisting of Nitrogen Tetroxide and Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine.

Length

42 m

Diameter

3.35 m

Launch Mass

233 t

Capacity

3,850 kg

Capacity

1,400 kg

Reusable

Maiden Flight

1982

Fastest Turnaround

15d 20h

Total Launches

Successful

Failed

Consecutive Success

Maiden flight: Sep 9, 1982

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

Launch Area 94 (SLS-2 / 603)

Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China

Frequently asked questions

What rocket is launching AlSat 3A?

Who is launching AlSat 3A?

Where is AlSat 3A launching from?

What orbit is AlSat 3A heading to?

Is the Long March 2C reusable?

How many times has the Long March 2C flown?

What is the AlSat 3A mission?