Flight 2

Can I see it from here?

The launch time isn't precise enough yet for a sky forecast.

Estimates from a typical ascent toward the likely orbit. Real trajectories, cloud and haze vary; the farther away, the lower and shorter the view.

Mission

Second test launch of CASC/SAST’s Long March 12A rocket. Payload identities are TBD.

Launch time (UTC)

Oct 31, 00:00 UTC

Precision

Month

Orbit

LEO

Mission type

Test Flight

Pad

Long March 12 series Pad

Rocket · Long March 12A

Long March 12A/Changzheng 12A (LM-12A/CZ-12A) is a reusable orbital launch vehicle developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST) of the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). The rocket is based on the Long March 12, but extensively re-designed for first stage re-usability, and use of gas generator cycle methane/liquid oxygen powered rocket engines in both stages. The first stage uses 7 Longyun-70 engines designed and manufactured by the private company Jiuzhou Yunjian (JZYJ), while the second stage uses 1 YF-209V engine from CASC's Academy of Aerospace Liquid Propulsion Technology (AALPT). On launch missions where the first stage is recovered, it will land on a down-range landing pad located in Minqin County, Gansu Province.

Height

69 m

Diameter

3.8 m

Liftoff thrust

5,250 kN

To LEO

12,000 kg

Track record

1 / 1 successful

Success streak

1

First flight

2025-12-23

Reusable

Yes

Booster

• Unknown12A. Landing (VL) on Long March 12A Landing Site.