Launch Detail
Pulling launch timing, vehicle context, weather signals, and mission evidence.
Launch detail
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation • Long March 12A • Long March 12 series Pad (NA)
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation • Long March 12A • Long March 12 series Pad
First test launch of CASC/SAST’s Long March 12A rocket, with a dummy payload. The rocket’s 1st stage attempted to land on a landing pad about 300 km downrange of the launch site.
Open the launch pad in Google Maps satellite mode using the pad coordinates.
First test launch of CASC/SAST’s Long March 12A rocket, with a dummy payload. The rocket’s 1st stage attempted to land on a landing pad about 300 km downrange of the launch site.
Long March 12A/Changzheng 12A (LM-12A/CZ-12A) is a reusable orbital launch vehicle developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST) of the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). The rocket is based on the Long March 12, but extensively re-designed for first stage re-usability, and use of gas generator cycle methane/liquid oxygen powered rocket engines in both stages. The first stage uses 7 Longyun-70 engines designed and manufactured by the private company Jiuzhou Yunjian (JZYJ), while the second stage uses 1 YF-209V engine from CASC's Academy of Aerospace Liquid Propulsion Technology (AALPT). On launch missions where the first stage is recovered, it will land on a down-range landing pad located in Minqin County, Gansu Province.
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.
Provider, rocket, pad, and booster history tied to this launch.
Linked via Spaceflight News API (SNAPI).
ArticleTokyo, Japan (SPX) Dec 26, 2025 China conducted the debut flight of the Long March 12A carrier rocket on Tuesday, with the launch mission succeeding whi...
ArticleA first launch of the Long March 12A Chinese state-owned reusable rocket reached orbit late Monday, but attempted recovery of the first stage downrange faile...
ArticleThe last full week of 2025 will be a busy one, with nine launches scheduled… The post Launch Roundup: International launches fill manifest during last full...
ArticleChina launched new Guowang satellite internet payloads Dec. 11 as preparations advanced for a Long March 12A orbital launch and first stage landing attempt....
Launch-stage and landing context surfaced from LL2 when it exists.
First stage booster used on the 1st flight of CASC's Long March 12A rocket. Booster attempted to land downrange on its dedicated landing pad, but the entry-landing burn was abnormal and it impacted the ground several kilometers from the landing pad.
