Planetary Science
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation(CASC)GovernmentTianwen-2 is a planned Chinese asteroid sample return and comet orbiter mission due for launch in May 2025. The spacecraft will visit the Near Earth asteroid 469219 Kamoʻoalewa (2016 HO3), collecting samples from its surface using both touch-and-go and anchor-and-drill approaches. It will return the samples back to Earth around 2.5 years after launch, with the main spacecraft proceeding to visit the main-belt comet 311P/PANSTARRS in the mid-2030s.
Orbital Attempt
#6,967
CASC Mission
#525
Pad Launch
#119
Location Launch
#226
Designator
2025-114
May 28, 2025, 5:31 PM
Minute
1 update
5:22 PM
Window Open
5:44 PM
Window Close
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
LEO Capacity
12,000 kg
GTO Capacity
5,500 kg
Launch Cost
$70M
Reusable
No
Maiden Flight
2007
Fastest Turnaround
15d
Total Launches
76
Successful
74
Failed
2
Consecutive Success
0
Maiden flight: May 13, 2007
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
May 29, 2025, 1:31 AM
Total Launches
239
Total Landings
0
Coordinates
28.2460, 102.0266