Long March 12A | Demo Flight
Launch Successful
L - -- : -- : -- : --
Launch Window
Dec. 23, 2025, 1:54 a.m. - Dec. 23, 2025, 4:14 a.m.
Dec. 23, 2025, 1:54 a.m. - Dec. 23, 2025, 4:14 a.m.
First test launch of CASC/SAST’s Long March 12A rocket, with a dummy payload. The rocket’s 1st stage attempted to land on a landing pad about 300 km downrange of the launch site.
Launch success, first stage landing attempt failed.
Apparently launch was delayed with rocket requiring roll-back; new information pending.
Added launch.
NET December 17 per NOTAMs (note that identity of this particular launch is uncertain).
Rescheduled for December 23 per NOTAMs.
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.
The Long March 12A first stage booster performed its entry burn with issues and the booster crashed within several kilometers of the landing pad.
Result: LM-12A F1 did not land successfully.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.
INFO WIKI
China launched new Guowang satellite internet payloads Dec. 11 as preparations advanced for a Long March 12A orbital launch and first stage landing attempt. The post China launches new Guowang satellites, Long March 12A launch and landing…
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