TMinusZero
Loading
Preparing the latest launch data.
TMinusZero
Loading
Preparing the latest launch data.
Launch Detail
Loading launch detail
Pulling launch timing, vehicle context, weather signals, and mission evidence.
Launch detail
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation • Long March 3B/E • Launch Complex 2 (LC-2) (NA)

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation • Long March 3B/E • LC-2
Top answer
Classified experimental Chinese satellite of unknown purposes (officially described for "spatial environment detection" purposes).
Last refreshed: Jun 25, 2026, 1:23 PM GMT+8. T-Minus Zero keeps this as the canonical launch record and reconciles schedule, mission, payload, media, and provider signals when those records are available.
Alternate mission URLs consolidate to this canonical launch record so exact mission timing, status, media, and source context stay on one page.
Premium keeps the launch-by-launch change log visible so you can review slips, window edits, and status changes without waiting for an error-driven upgrade prompt.
Free-to-share photography matched to this launch. Tap a photo to view it at full resolution.
Linked via Spaceflight News API (SNAPI).
ArticleHELSINKI — A classified satellite launched by China in June is operating in a creative orbit, giving it a unique vantage point over the geostationary belt. S...
ArticleA very busy launch manifest is expected in the upcoming week, with 10 launches scheduled… The post Launch Preview: 10 launches scheduled from sites across t...
ArticleChina continued its accelerated launch pace with a series of missions, but long silence followed liftoff of a Kuaizhou-11 solid rocket Wednesday, suggesting...
Classified experimental Chinese satellite of unknown purposes (officially described for "spatial environment detection" purposes).

Use these internal paths to move from this exact launch record into the provider, vehicle, launch-site, schedule, and mission-family pages that own broader context.
This launch currently has no dedicated mission-family hub, so provider, vehicle, site, and canonical record links are the primary internal paths.
Key structured fields for this launch record are grouped here so the page answers mission, payload, orbit, provider, source, and timing questions before the deeper tracking and media sections.
This record is preserved as historical launch context. The page emphasizes what was launched, the vehicle and pad involved, published outcome/status fields, linked programs, and source records instead of treating the mission like an upcoming countdown.
Open the launch pad in Google Maps satellite mode using the pad coordinates.
Classified experimental Chinese satellite of unknown purposes (officially described for "spatial environment detection" purposes).
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.
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.
c6df8ce30f0f79587225317afc61fa1584a9455dd92b9a99de27bca211e51b3aProvider, rocket, pad, and booster history tied to this launch.
A launch-area reference planning index. Use your location for a viewpoint-specific result.
This launch is waiting for a current solar-geometry calculation. The previous result is not shown because launch timing and sunlight geometry may have changed.
This is a planning index, not a percent chance. Higher means the modeled viewing setup is stronger.
If needed, your browser asks permission only after you choose this. The launch-area result is not a forecast for your viewpoint.
This launch is waiting for a current solar-geometry calculation. The previous result is not shown because launch timing and sunlight geometry may have changed.
This outlook evaluates whether a broad, sunlit ascent plume could stand out. It does not yet predict whether a specific vehicle will produce one, and an unfavorable plume outlook does not mean the rocket itself will be invisible.
Temporary flight restrictions and NOTAM matches tied to this launch.
Advisory data is informational. Confirm operational constraints with official FAA publications.