Launch details
Long March 8A | SatNet LEO Group 02 (Demo Flight)
Launch details
Long March 8A | SatNet LEO Group 02 (Demo Flight)
201
Wenchang Space Launch Site
Feb 11 at 05:22pm
Launchpad time•+0800
Feb 11 at 09:22am
Your local time•+0000
Current status
Launch Successful
Long March 8A
Launch vehicle
SatNet LEO Group 02 (Demo Flight)
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
Demonstration flight of the Long March 8A rocket with upgraded first stage and boosters engines, and a new larger liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen second stage with new YF-75H engines derived from ones used on the Long March 5.
Payload is a batch of Low Earth Orbit communication satellites for the Chinese state owned SatNet constellation operated by the China Satellite Network Group.
The constellation will eventually consists of 13000 satellites.
— SatNet LEO Group 02 (Demo Flight)
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 airport is Haikou Meilan International Airport in Hainan. From the airport you can take a 30-minute train or bus to Wenchang, and from there a 40-minute taxi ride will get you to the launch site.
Accomodation
Nearby hotels in Wenchang.
Nearby parking
Paid 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.