What rocket is launching Shijian 31?

Shijian 31 is launching on the Long March 3B/E.

Who is launching Shijian 31?

Shijian 31 is being launched by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, a government launch provider founded in 1999.

Where is Shijian 31 launching from?

Shijian 31 is launching from Launch Complex 2 (LC-2) at Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China.

What orbit is Shijian 31 heading to?

Shijian 31 is heading to Elliptical Orbit (Elliptical).

Is the Long March 3B/E reusable?

No — the Long March 3B/E is an expendable launch vehicle.

How many times has the Long March 3B/E flown?

The Long March 3B/E has launched 77 times to date, with 75 successful flights.

Back to Launches

Shijian 31

Name: Shijian 31 — Long March 3B/E
Start: 2026-06-16T09:45:00Z
End: 2026-06-16T10:23:00Z
Location: Launch Complex 2 (LC-2)

Government/Top Secret

Success

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation(CASC)Government

Long March 3B/EEllipticalorbit

Overview

Classified experimental Chinese satellite of unknown purposes (officially described for "spatial environment detection" purposes).

Mission details

Orbital Attempt

#7,314

CASC Mission

#598

Pad Launch

#125

Location Launch

#241

Designator

2026-136

Launch Window

NET

Jun 16, 2026, 9:45 AM

Precision

Minute

Schedule Changes

3 updates

Lift Off

9:37 AM

Window Open

10:23 AM

Window Close

Schedule Updates

3 entries

Current scheduleCurrentNo NET changeJun 16, 2026, 11:24 AM
Jun 16, 2026, 9:45 AM(Minute)Success
Schedule updatedDelayed 1h 45mJun 8, 2026, 11:10 AM
Jun 16, 2026, 9:45 AM(Hour)GoWindow: 9:37 AM – 10:23 AM
Initial scheduleJun 4, 2026, 1:16 PM
Jun 16, 2026, 8:00 AM(Hour)TBC

Launch Complex 2 (LC-2)

Total Launches

125

Orbital Attempts

125

Fastest Turnaround

16d 14h

Wikipedia Map

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

Jun 16, 2026, 5:45 PM

Total Launches

241

Total Landings

Coordinates

28.2460, 102.0266

View location page

Frequently asked questions

Long March 3B/E Specs

The Long March 3B / E (G2) (CZ-3B / E) is one of the most successful medium-range launchers and the strongest variant of the CZ-3 series. It was specially developed for the transport of heavy communications satellites into a geostationary transfer orbit. The additional designation "E" stands for a higher payload fairing, stretched boosters and extended fuel tanks at the first stage, over the CZ-3B.

Length

56.3 m

Diameter

3.35 m

Launch Mass

456 t

Thrust

5,924 kN

Capacity

12,000 kg

Capacity

5,500 kg

Launch Cost

$70M

Reusable

Maiden Flight

2007

Fastest Turnaround

15d

Total Launches

Successful

Failed

Consecutive Success

Maiden flight: May 13, 2007

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

Schedule Updates

Launch Complex 2 (LC-2)

Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China

Frequently asked questions

What rocket is launching Shijian 31?

Who is launching Shijian 31?

Where is Shijian 31 launching from?

What orbit is Shijian 31 heading to?

Is the Long March 3B/E reusable?

How many times has the Long March 3B/E flown?

What is the Shijian 31 mission?