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Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China
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Next launch for this location
Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China
Unknown Pad
Xichang Satellite Launch Center
May 31 at 08:00am
Launchpad time•+0800
May 31 at 12:00am
Your local time•+0000
Long March 3B/E
Launch vehicle
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24 hours before launch
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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.