What rocket is launching Unknown Payload?

Unknown Payload is launching on the Long March 8A.

Who is launching Unknown Payload?

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

Where is Unknown Payload launching from?

Unknown Payload is launching from Commercial LC-1 at Wenchang Space Launch Site, People's Republic of China.

What orbit is Unknown Payload heading to?

Unknown Payload is heading to Unknown (N/A).

Is the Long March 8A reusable?

No — the Long March 8A is an expendable launch vehicle.

How many times has the Long March 8A flown?

The Long March 8A has launched 10 times to date, with 10 successful flights.

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Unknown Payload

Name: Unknown Payload — Long March 8A
Start: 2026-09-23T13:30:00Z
End: 2026-09-23T13:49:00Z
Location: Commercial LC-1

Unknown

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation(CASC)Government

Long March 8AN/Aorbit

Lifting off in

DAYS

HRS

MIN

SEC

Sep 23, 2026, 1:30 PM

Stream unlikely

Launch Site Weather

Forecast at launch

9:00 PM (UTC+8)

27°C

Mainly clear · feels 31°

17 km/h ESE26%85%

Current conditions

Mon 7:15 AM (UTC+8)

27°C

Clear sky · feels 32°

9 km/h NNE14%90%

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

At a glance

Status: Go for Launch
Provider: China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
Type: Government
Vehicle: Long March 8A
Orbit: N/A
Pad: Commercial LC-1
Location: Wenchang Space Launch Site, People's Republic of China

Social Flight Log

Sep 18, 2026, 1:47 PM
New launch date and time per NOTAMs.
Source
Sep 9, 2026, 11:49 AM
Reverted back to NET September TBD per cancellation of NOTAMs.
Source
Aug 30, 2026, 12:30 PM
Added launch per NOTAMs; Payload and launch vehicle identities uncertain.
Source

Overview

Details TBD.

Mission details

Orbital Attempt

#7,402

CASC Mission

#616

Pad Launch

#14

Location Launch

#74

Launch Window

NET

Sep 23, 2026, 1:30 PM

Precision

Hour

Schedule Changes

3 updates

Planned Liftoff

1:24 PM

Window Open

1:49 PM

Window Close

Schedule Updates

3 entries

Current scheduleCurrentMoved up 6d 10hSep 18, 2026, 1:48 PM
Sep 23, 2026, 1:30 PM(Hour)GoWindow: 1:24 PM – 1:49 PM
Schedule updatedDelayed 18d 8hSep 9, 2026, 11:50 AM
Sep 30, 2026, 12:00 AM(Month)TBDWindow: 12:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Initial scheduleAug 30, 2026, 12:32 PM
Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM(Hour)TBC

Launch photos

Photo gallery

Wenchang Space Launch Site, People's Republic of China

Commercial LC-1

Total Launches

Orbital Attempts

Fastest Turnaround

18d 15h

Wikipedia Map

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

Sep 23, 2026, 9:30 PM

Total Launches

Total Landings

Coordinates

19.6145, 110.9511

View location page

Frequently asked questions

Long March 8A Specs

The Long March 8A is an orbital launch vehicle developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology based on the Long March 8. It has an increased capability of up to 7 tonnes to a 700 km altitude sun-synchronous orbit. It implements a larger 3.35 meters diameter liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen 2nd stage, coupled with 2 upgraded version of the YF-75D engines used on the Long March 5 (known as the YF-75H) with increased thrust to 10 tonnes each through measures such as increased turbopump speeds. The Long March 8A can also use a larger 5.2 meters diameter payload fairing.

Length

50.5 m

Diameter

3.35 m

Launch Mass

371 t

Thrust

4,800 kN

Capacity

9,800 kg

Capacity

3,500 kg

Capacity

7,000 kg

Reusable

Maiden Flight

2025

Fastest Turnaround

18d 15h

Total Launches

Successful

Failed

Consecutive Success

Maiden flight: Feb 11, 2025

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

615

Successful

599

Failed

Pending

Consecutive Success

Wikipedia Website

Overview

Mission details

Launch Window

Schedule Updates

Photo gallery

Commercial LC-1

Wenchang Space Launch Site, People's Republic of China

Frequently asked questions

What rocket is launching Unknown Payload?

Who is launching Unknown Payload?

Where is Unknown Payload launching from?

What orbit is Unknown Payload heading to?

Is the Long March 8A reusable?

How many times has the Long March 8A flown?

What is the Unknown Payload mission?