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China Aerospace Science and Technology CorporationLaunch SuccessfulHuman ExplorationLong March 2F
Launched 2003-10-15 01:00:03 UTCLaunch Area 91 (SLS-1 / 921), Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China
Success
Reached Low Earth Orbit
Worldwide
46th
orbital launch attempt in 2003
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
3rd
launch this year
Launch Area 91 (SLS-1 / 921)
1st
launch from this pad this year
Pad turnaround
289 d 8 h
since the pad's previous launch
This is the first crewed mission for China's Shenzhou program. Launched in 15 October, it carried the only astronaut aborad, Yang Liwei, on an 21 hour flight. Shenzhou 5 completed 14 orbits, followed by a safe landing back on Earth on the evening of 15 October.
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