Watch the Launch

3 x SatNet test satellites

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Overview

Destination: Low Earth Orbit
Mission: Communications

Low Earth Orbit Launch Area 94 (SLS-2 / 603) Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China

Officially described as "Satellite-Internet Technology Demonstration Satellite(s)" manufactured by CAST. Probably 3 test satellites for the Chinese state-owned LEO communication satellite constellation SatNet.

Updates

Cosmic_Penguin • Dec. 30, 2023, 1:45 a.m.

Launch success.


Cosmic_Penguin • Dec. 27, 2023, 6:51 p.m.

Updated possible LV identity based on additional clues.


Cosmic_Penguin • Dec. 26, 2023, 7:47 a.m.

Refined launch window and updated possible LV identity.


Cosmic_Penguin • Dec. 23, 2023, 2:32 a.m.

Added launch per NOTAMs; Payload and launch vehicle identities highly uncertain.


Long March 2C/YZ-1S

Family:
Configuration: C/YZ-1S

The Long March 2C is a family of expendable launch vehicles made and operated by China. It is a two stage launch vehicle with storable propellants, consisting of Nitrogen Tetroxide and Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine.

Specifications
  • Stages
    3
  • Length
    42.0 m
  • Diameter
    3.35 m
  • Fairing Diameter
    3.35 m
  • Launch Mass
    233.0 T
  • Thrust
    2962.0 kN
Family
  • Name
    Long March 2C/YZ-1S
  • Family
  • Variant
    C/YZ-1S
  • Alias
  • Full Name
    Long March 2C/YZ-1S
Payload Capacity
  • Launch Cost
  • Low Earth Orbit
    3850.0 kg
  • Geostationary Transfer Orbit
    1250.0 kg
  • Direct Geostationary
  • Sun-Synchronous Capacity
    1400.0 kg

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation

(CASC)

Chairman & President: Lei Fanpei Founded: 1999 Successes: 564 Failures: 15 Pending: 11

Agency Type:

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.

INFO WIKI

Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China

Launch Area 94 (SLS-2 / 603)


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