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China Aerospace Science and Technology CorporationLaunch SuccessfulEarth ScienceLong March 2C
Launched 2006-09-09 07:00:04 UTCLaunch Area 94 (SLS-2 / 603), Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China
Success
Reached Low Earth Orbit
Worldwide
39th
orbital launch attempt in 2006
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
2nd
launch this year
Launch Area 94 (SLS-2 / 603)
1st
launch from this pad this year
Pad turnaround
375 d 22 h
since the pad's previous launch
SJ 8 (Shijian 8) is a recoverable satellite based on the FSW type reentry vehicle, which is used to expose 215 kilograms of seeds of plants and fungus to the space environment. It was recovered after several weeks. Once the space-bred seeds are recovered, the Ministry of Agriculture organized research institutions to develop new seeds featuring high yield, good quality and high efficiency.
Launch Provider
Government · China · Founded 1999 · Chairman & President Lei Fanpei
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) is the main contractor for the Chinese space program. It is state-owned and has a number of subordinate entities which design, develop and manufacture a range of spacecraft, launch vehicles, strategic and tactical missile systems, and ground equipment. It was officially established in July 1999 as part of a Chinese government reform drive, having previously been one part of the former China Aerospace Corporation. Various incarnations of the program date back to 1956.
Launches
621
Successful
605
97%
Landings
1
of 2
Upcoming
7
scheduled
Height
42m
Diameter
3.4m
To low Earth orbit
3,850kg
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Shenzhou 24CASC · Long March 2F/G · Launch Area 91 (SLS-1 / 921), Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of ChinaLow Earth OrbitTo be determinedTime TBDNET
Flight 2CASC · Long March 12A · Long March 12 series Pad, Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of ChinaLow Earth OrbitTo be determinedNET 2026