Launch details
Long March 6A | G60 Polar Group 18
Launch details
Long March 6A | G60 Polar Group 18
Launch Complex 9A
Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center
Oct 17 at 02:59pm
Launchpad time•+0800
Oct 17 at 06:59am
Your local time•+0000
Current status
Launch Successful
Long March 6A
Launch vehicle
G60 Polar Group 18
Mission
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
18 Low Earth Orbit communication satellites with Ku, Q and V band payloads for the G60 constellation operated by Shanghai Spacesail Technologies with funding backed by the Shanghai local government.
Initial constellation will consist of 1296 satellites by 2027 with long term plans to expand it to 12000 satellites.
— G60 Polar Group 18
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 Taiyuan Wusu International Airport in Taiyuan.
From Taiyuan you can either rent a car or take a bus 3-4 hours to Kelan County, and from there drive another hour to the launch center.
Accomodation
Nearby hotels in Kelan County.
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.