Success
SpaceSail Polar Group #9
Communications
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation(CASC)GovernmentLong March 8
POorbit
18 Low Earth Orbit communication satellites with Ku, Q and V band payloads for the G60 constellation operated by Shanghai Spacesail Technologies with funding backed by the Shanghai local government. Initial constellation will consist of 1296 satellites by 2027 with long term plans to expand it to 12000 satellites.
Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 2:42 PM
Replay
Mission details
Orbital Attempt
#7,286
CASC Mission
#590
Pad Launch
#10
Location Launch
#61
Designator
2026-108
Launch Window
NET
May 17, 2026, 2:42 PM
Precision
Minute
Schedule Changes
4 updates
Lift Off
2:34 PM
Window Open
2:57 PM
Window Close
Schedule Updates
4 entries- Current scheduleCurrentMoved up 1mMay 17, 2026, 3:38 PMMay 17, 2026, 2:42 PM(Minute)Success
- Schedule updatedNo NET changeMay 17, 2026, 2:46 PMMay 17, 2026, 2:43 PM(Minute)In Flight
- Schedule updatedDelayed 3mMay 17, 2026, 2:08 PMMay 17, 2026, 2:43 PM(Minute)Go
- Initial scheduleMay 10, 2026, 1:06 PMMay 17, 2026, 2:40 PM(Hour)Go
Long March 8 Specs
Long March 8 (Chinese: 长征八号运载火箭) is an orbital launch vehicle developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology to launch up to 5000 kg to a 700 km altitude Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). The rocket is based on the Long March 7 with its first stage and 2 out of its 4 boosters, along with the existing liquid hydrogen burning 3rd stage of the Long March 3A/3B/3C and 7A as its 2nd stage. A "Core Only" version omitting the boosters is also available.
Length
50.34 m
Diameter
3.35 m
Launch Mass
356 t
Thrust
4,800 kN
LEO Capacity
8,100 kg
GTO Capacity
2,800 kg
SSO Capacity
5,000 kg
Reusable
No
Maiden Flight
2020
Fastest Turnaround
1mo 10d
Total Launches
5
Successful
5
Failed
0
Consecutive Success
5
Maiden flight: Dec 22, 2020
Social Flight Log
- May 17, 2026, 3:37 PM
Launch success.
Source - May 17, 2026, 2:44 PM
Liftoff.
Source - May 17, 2026, 2:19 PM
Unofficial Webcast by ThatSpaceDogeGuy has started
Source - May 17, 2026, 2:06 PM
Tweaked T-0.
Source - May 14, 2026, 2:37 PM
Updated possible payload identity (uncertain).
Source - May 10, 2026, 1:04 PM
Added launch per NOTAMs; Payload and launch vehicle identities uncertain.
Source
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 17, 2026, 10:42 PM
Total Launches
62
Total Landings
0
Coordinates
19.6145, 110.9511
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
592
Successful
576
Failed
15
Pending
8
Consecutive Success
17