China achieved a major milestone in its space program with the successful launch of its first Long March 12 rocket on November 30th. This launch signifies progress towards its crewed lunar missions and represents the debut of a new commercial spaceport, significantly improving access to space. The two-stage, 62-meter-tall rocket lifted off from the Wenchang Commercial Space Launch Site.
The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), the rocket's manufacturer, confirmed the launch's success shortly after liftoff. The payload consisted of the "Satellite Internet Technology Test Satellite" and "Technology Test Satellite-3," though specifics remain undisclosed. The kerosene-fueled Long March 12 boasts a 3.8-meter diameter, carrying a payload of 12,000 kilograms to low Earth orbit (LEO) and 6,000 kg to sun-synchronous orbit (SSO).
This launch is pivotal for several reasons. It showcases SAST's advancements in rocket technology, contributes to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation's (CASC) lunar program development through new rocket engines, and alleviates launch pad constraints via the new Wenchang commercial spaceport. This new facility aims to increase launch frequency for both CASC and commercial rockets, independent of the existing national spaceport.
The launch integrated the YF-100K engine, a powerful upgrade powering the Long March 12's first stage. This engine is also slated for the Long March 10, crucial for China's planned crewed lunar missions. A reusable version, the YF-100N, is also under development. While similar to the Long March 7, the Long March 12 offers a more cost-effective solution, lacking side boosters and possessing a larger payload fairing volume. This makes it well-suited for large-scale satellite megaconstellations like Guowang and Qianfan/Thousand Sails.
SAST's ongoing development of reusable methane-liquid oxygen launchers, including a successful vertical takeoff, vertical landing (VTVL) test, further solidifies China's ambitions in space. This launch was China's 59th orbital launch attempt of 2024, following the Zhuque-2 launch and preceding potential launches of a Zhuque-2E and a Long March 5B.