Human Exploration
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation(CASC)GovernmentFirst test flight of the Shenzhou spacecraft, without crew on board. The spacecraft used has only 8 of the 13 sub-systems on board being operational, and was not equipped with a life support system or an emergency escape system. The major test objectives of the mission were the flight of the Long March 2F rocket, separation of the modules, attitude control, lifting body reentry, heat shield testing and ground recovery.
The Shenzhou program is a crewed spaceflight initiative by China. The program put the first Chinese citizen, Yang Liwei, into orbit on 15 October 2003.
Jan 1, 1993 — ongoing
Orbital Attempt
#4,354
CASC Mission
#2
Pad Launch
#1
Location Launch
#29
Designator
1999-061
Nov 19, 1999, 10:30 PM
1 update
The Long March 2F is a Chinese orbital carrier rocket, part of the Long March 2 rocket family. Designed to launch the crewed Shenzhou spacecraft, the Long March 2F is a human-rated two-stage version of the Long March 2E rocket, which in turn was based on the Long March 2C launch vehicle. It is launched from complex SLS at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
Length
62 m
Diameter
3.35 m
Launch Mass
464 t
Thrust
5,985 kN
LEO Capacity
8,400 kg
Reusable
No
Maiden Flight
1999
Fastest Turnaround
9mo 9d
Total Launches
7
Successful
7
Failed
0
Consecutive Success
7
Maiden flight: Nov 19, 1999
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
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
Nov 20, 1999, 6:30 AM
Total Launches
286
Total Landings
2
Coordinates
40.9581, 100.2911