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China Aerospace Science and Technology CorporationLaunch SuccessfulHuman ExplorationLong March 2F
Launched 2002-03-25 14:15:04 UTCLaunch Area 91 (SLS-1 / 921), Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China
Success
Reached Low Earth Orbit
Worldwide
14th
orbital launch attempt in 2002
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
1st
launch this year
Launch Area 91 (SLS-1 / 921)
1st
launch from this pad this year
Pad turnaround
439 d 21 h
since the pad's previous launch
Third test flight of the Shenzhou spacecraft, without crew on board. Main objective of the mission was to test the systems required to support a human in space. A human dummy was carried in the descent module to simulate the physiological signals of a human. 44 different experiments were carried, including an imaging spectrograph, cloud sensor, radiation sensor, solar ultraviolet monitor, solar constant monitor, atmospheric composition detector, atmospheric density detector, multi-chamber space crystallization furnace, space protein crystal equipment, a cell bioreactor, a solid matter tracking detector, and a microgravity gauge. Also on board was a video camera that broadcast images of the Earth as seen through one of the windows on the spacecraft.
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
62m
Diameter
3.4m
To low Earth orbit
8,400kg
Liftoff thrust
5,985kN
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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