Earth Science
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation(CASC)GovernmentFengyun-4A (also known as FY-4A) is the first unit of the improved meteorological satellites series. Besides its main meteorological mission, it is also capable of solar observations for better space weather monitoring capabilites. The satellite is expected to operate for 5 years.
Orbital Attempt
#5,609
CASC Mission
#188
Pad Launch
#35
Location Launch
#100
Designator
2016-077
Dec 10, 2016, 4:11 PM
1 update
4:05 PM
Window Open
4:35 PM
Window Close
The Long March 3B is a Chinese orbital carrier rocket. Introduced in 1996, it is launched from Launch Area 2 and 3 at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan. A three-stage rocket with four strap-on liquid rocket boosters, it is currently the most powerful member of the Long March rocket family and the heaviest of the Long March 3 rocket family, and is mainly used to place communications satellites into geosynchronous orbits.
Length
54.8 m
Diameter
3.35 m
Launch Mass
426 t
Thrust
5,923 kN
LEO Capacity
11,500 kg
GTO Capacity
5,100 kg
GEO Capacity
2,000 kg
Launch Cost
$70M
Reusable
No
Maiden Flight
1996
Fastest Turnaround
25d 23h
Total Launches
24
Successful
21
Failed
3
Consecutive Success
3
Maiden flight: Feb 14, 1996
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
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 11, 2016, 12:11 AM
Total Launches
239
Total Landings
0
Coordinates
28.2460, 102.0266