Long March 8 | SpaceSail Polar Group 07

Mission Status

The launch vehicle successfully inserted its payload(s) into the target orbit(s).

Mission Updates

7 apr, 14:14 Cosmic_Penguin

Launch success.

Source →
7 apr, 13:37 Cosmic_Penguin

Liftoff.

Source →
2 apr, 03:18 Cosmic_Penguin

Updated launch window per new NOTAMs.

Source →
26 mar, 08:08 Cosmic_Penguin

Added launch per NOTAMs; Payload identity uncertain, probably with SpaceSail Polar LEO communication satellites.

Source →

Mission Details

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.

Tipo Missione Communications
Orbita Polar Orbit
Launch Window 13:24 - 13:47

Rocket Configuration

Name Long March 8
Manufacturer China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
Height 50.34 m
Diameter 3.35 m
Maiden Flight 2020-12-22
Success Rate 4/4 (100%)

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.