Success
Queqiao-2
Planetary Science
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation(CASC)GovernmentLong March 8
LOorbit
Queqiao-2 is a Chinese artificial satellite to serve as a communications relay for future Chinese lunar far side missions that cannot communicate directly with the Earth, beginning with the Chang'e 6 lunar sample return mission in 2024. It will operate from a Distant Retrograde Orbit (DRO) of the Moon. The launch also carries the Tiandu-1 & 2 small satellites testing cis-lunar space navigation and inter-satellite communication techniques for CNSA’s Deep Space Exploration Laboratory (DSEL).
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 12:31 AM
Replay
Mission details
The Chinese Lunar Exploration Program also known as the Chang'e Project after the Chinese moon goddess Chang'e, is an ongoing series of robotic Moon missions by the China National Space Administration (CNSA). The program incorporates lunar orbiters, landers, rovers and sample return spacecraft, launched using Long March rockets.
Jan 1, 2003 — ongoing
Orbital Attempt
#6,641
CASC Mission
#459
Pad Launch
#17
Location Launch
#28
Designator
2024-051
Launch Window
NET
Mar 20, 2024, 12:31 AM
Precision
Second
Schedule Changes
1 update
Long March 8 Specs
Long March 8 (Chinese: 长征八号运载火箭) is an orbital launch vehicle developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology to launch up to 5000 kg to a 700 km altitude Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). The rocket is based on the Long March 7 with its first stage and 2 out of its 4 boosters, along with the existing liquid hydrogen burning 3rd stage of the Long March 3A/3B/3C and 7A as its 2nd stage. A "Core Only" version omitting the boosters is also available.
Length
50.34 m
Diameter
3.35 m
Launch Mass
356 t
Thrust
4,800 kN
LEO Capacity
8,100 kg
GTO Capacity
2,800 kg
SSO Capacity
5,000 kg
Reusable
No
Maiden Flight
2020
Fastest Turnaround
1mo 10d
Total Launches
5
Successful
5
Failed
0
Consecutive Success
5
Maiden flight: Dec 22, 2020
Social Flight Log
- Mar 20, 2024, 1:08 AM
Launch success.
Source - Mar 20, 2024, 12:32 AM
Liftoff
Source - Mar 18, 2024, 7:16 AM
Tweaked T-0.
Source - Mar 15, 2024, 11:12 AM
Updated launch window per additional NOTAMs.
Source - Mar 15, 2024, 7:51 AM
Added tentative launch date and window per NOTAMs; Identity of launch with launch vehicle and payload combination uncertain.
Source - Oct 2, 2023, 11:18 AM
NET March 2024.
Source - Apr 25, 2023, 1:44 PM
Added launch.
Source
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
Wenchang Space Launch Site, People's Republic of China
The Wenchang Space Launch Site is a rocket launch site located in Wenchang on the island of Hainan, in China. Formally a suborbital test center, it currently serves as China's southernmost spaceport. The site was selected for its low latitude, 19° north of the equator, allowing for larger payloads to be launched. It is capable of launching the Long March 5, the heaviest Chinese rocket. Unlike launch facilities on the mainland, Wenchang uses its seaport for deliveries.
Timezone
Asia/Shanghai
Local Launch Time
Mar 20, 2024, 8:31 AM
Total Launches
62
Total Landings
0
Coordinates
19.6145, 110.9511