Success
Tan Ce 1
Earth Science
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation(CASC)GovernmentLong March 2C/SM
Ellipticalorbit
The Double Star spacecraft, called also Tan Ce (TC) which in Chinese means ‘Probe‘, is a joint Chinese and ESA mission to study the effect of the Sun on the Earth's environment. The polar spacecraft (TC-2) will monitor the energy input from the solar wind into the polar ionosphere. The equatorial spacecraft (TC-1) will investigate the so-called substorm process, when it is in the Earth's magnetotail, and the entry of solar particle on the front side of the magnetosphere.
Monday, December 29, 2003 at 7:06 PM
Mission details
Orbital Attempt
#4,639
CASC Mission
#20
Pad Launch
#14
Location Launch
#34
Designator
2003-061
Launch Window
NET
Dec 29, 2003, 7:06 PM
Schedule Changes
1 update
Long March 2C/SM 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
Thrust
2,962 kN
LEO Capacity
3,850 kg
GTO Capacity
1,440 kg
Reusable
No
Maiden Flight
2003
Fastest Turnaround
6mo 28d
Total Launches
2
Successful
2
Failed
0
Consecutive Success
2
Maiden flight: Dec 29, 2003
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
592
Successful
577
Failed
15
Pending
9
Consecutive Success
18
Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China
The Xichang Satellite Launch Center is a spaceport in China. It is located in Zeyuan Town, northwest of Xichang, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan.
Timezone
Asia/Shanghai
Local Launch Time
Dec 30, 2003, 3:06 AM
Total Launches
239
Total Landings
0
Coordinates
28.2460, 102.0266