Space Launch NowUpcoming Launches
All upcoming launchesLoading launches
China Aerospace Science and Technology CorporationLaunch SuccessfulHuman ExplorationLong March 2F
Launched 2002-12-29 16:40:04 UTCLaunch Area 91 (SLS-1 / 921), Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China
Success
Reached Low Earth Orbit
Worldwide
64th
orbital launch attempt in 2002
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
5th
launch this year
Launch Area 91 (SLS-1 / 921)
2nd
launch from this pad this year
Pad turnaround
279 d 2 h
since the pad's previous launch
Fourth and final test flight of the Shenzhou spacecraft, without crew on board. The spacecraft was flown in the same configuration as a crew-carrying mission, and as such two dummy astronauts were carried on board, as are sleeping bags, food and medication. The control systems were fitted with ability for manual control and emergency landing. The windows were constructed of a new material that was designed to stay clear even after reentry to allow an astronaut to confirm that the parachutes have deployed properly.
The spacecraft carried 100 peony seeds to investigate the effect of weightlessness on plants grown from them. The 52 experiments onboard investigated areas in physics, biology, medicine, earth observation, material science, and astronomy.
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
Space Launch Now for iOS and Android
Notifications before every launch you follow, live countdowns on your home screen and watch, and webcasts as they start.
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