What rocket is launching Chang'e 6?

Chang'e 6 is launching on the Long March 5.

Who is launching Chang'e 6?

Chang'e 6 is being launched by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, a government launch provider founded in 1999.

Where is Chang'e 6 launching from?

Chang'e 6 is launching from 101 at Wenchang Space Launch Site, People's Republic of China.

What orbit is Chang'e 6 heading to?

Chang'e 6 is heading to Lunar Orbit (LO).

Is the Long March 5 reusable?

No — the Long March 5 is an expendable launch vehicle.

How many times has the Long March 5 flown?

The Long March 5 has launched 8 times to date, with 8 successful flights.

Back to Launches

Chang'e 6

Planetary Science

Success

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation(CASC)Government

Long March 5LOorbit

Launch time

Friday, May 3, 2024 at 9:27 AM

Success

Overview

Chang'e 6/CE-6 is scheduled to launch in 2024 to return samples from the Far Side of the Moon (near southern edge of the Apollo Basin) for the first time. International science instruments from France, Italy, Sweden and Pakistan will also be on board.

Mission details

Orbital Attempt

#6,673

CASC Mission

#466

Pad Launch

#12

Location Launch

#29

Designator

2024-083

Launch Window

NET

May 3, 2024, 9:27 AM

Precision

Second

Schedule Changes

1 update

Lift Off

9:17 AM

Window Open

10:18 AM

Window Close

101

Total Launches

Orbital Attempts

Fastest Turnaround

1mo 27d

Wikipedia Map

Wenchang Space Launch Site, People's Republic of China

The Wenchang Space Launch Site is a rocket launch site located in Wenchang on the island of Hainan, in China. Formally a suborbital test center, it currently serves as China's southernmost spaceport. The site was selected for its low latitude, 19° north of the equator, allowing for larger payloads to be launched. It is capable of launching the Long March 5, the heaviest Chinese rocket. Unlike launch facilities on the mainland, Wenchang uses its seaport for deliveries.

Timezone

Asia/Shanghai

Local Launch Time

May 3, 2024, 5:27 PM

Total Launches

Total Landings

Coordinates

19.6145, 110.9511

Frequently asked questions

Long March 5 Specs

Long March 5 is a Chinese heavy lift launch system developed by China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT). CZ-5 is the first Chinese vehicle designed from the ground up to focus on non-hypergolic liquid rocket propellants. Currently, two CZ-5 vehicle configurations are planned, with maximum payload capacities of ~25,000 kilograms (55,000 lb) to LEO and ~14,000 kilograms (31,000 lb) to GTO. The Long March 5 roughly matches the capabilities of American EELV heavy-class vehicles such as the Delta IV Heavy.

Length

57 m

Diameter

5 m

Launch Mass

867 t

Thrust

10,600 kN

Capacity

25,000 kg

Capacity

14,000 kg

Reusable

Maiden Flight

2016

Fastest Turnaround

1mo 27d

Total Launches

Successful

Failed

Consecutive Success

Maiden flight: Nov 3, 2016

Wikipedia

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation

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.

Founded

1999

Administrator

Chairman & President: Lei Fanpei

Total Launches

594

Successful

579

Failed

Pending

Consecutive Success

Wikipedia Website

Overview

Mission details

Launch Window

101

Wenchang Space Launch Site, People's Republic of China

Frequently asked questions

What rocket is launching Chang'e 6?

Who is launching Chang'e 6?

Where is Chang'e 6 launching from?

What orbit is Chang'e 6 heading to?

Is the Long March 5 reusable?

How many times has the Long March 5 flown?

What is the Chang'e 6 mission?