Launch details

Long March 3B/E | Tianwen-2

CNSA

Government CHN

Launch Complex 2 (LC-2)

Xichang Satellite Launch Center

May 29 at 01:22am

Launchpad time+0800

May 28 at 05:22pm

Your local time+0000

Current status

Launch Successful

Long March 3B/E

Launch vehicle

Tianwen-2

Mission

28.2456

Latitude

102.0268

Longitude

Get notification

24 hours before launch

Get notification

1 hour before launch

Note: For all launches the scheduled launch dates and times are subject to change due to weather, equipment, crew and other factors.

Mission description

Tianwen-2 is a planned Chinese asteroid sample return and comet orbiter mission due for launch in May 2025. The spacecraft will visit the Near Earth asteroid 469219 Kamoʻoalewa (2016 HO3), collecting samples from its surface using both touch-and-go and anchor-and-drill approaches. It will return the samples back to Earth around 2.5 years after launch, with the main spacecraft proceeding to visit the main-belt comet 311P/PANSTARRS in the mid-2030s.

Tianwen-2

Livestream

Attending a launch in person

Chinese spaceports are generally closed to foreigners so I don't have much information, please reach out if you know more. For Chinese citizens a permit can be booked with CASC for a fee, typically around $20 USD.

How to get there

The closest commercial airport is Xichang Qingshan Airport in Xichang.

From the airport it is approximately 90-minutes drive in a rental car.

Accomodation

Nearby hotels in Xichang city.

Nearby parking

Parking available on-site.

Agency details

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) is China's main space agency responsible for the country's space exploration, satellite launches, and human spaceflight programs. CASC has achieved significant milestones like the Chang'e lunar missions, Tianwen Mars mission, and the development of the Long March rocket family, advancing China's space capabilities.