Long March 8 | G60 Group TBD
Programma
Pad
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.
Rocket
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.
Full Name: Long March 8
Maiden Flight: 2020-12-22
Total Launch Count: 3
Successful Launches: 3
Failed Launches: 0
Mission
Mission Name: G60 Polar Group TBD
Type: Communications
Description: Low Earth Orbit communication satellites with Ku, Q and V band payloads for the G60 constellation operated by Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST) 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.
Orbit: Polar Orbit
Updates
Cosmic_Penguin
2025-04-18T08:28:00ZAdded launch per NOTAMs; Payload identity not confirmed.
Cosmic_Penguin
2025-04-21T03:29:00ZReverted to April TBD with cancellation of NOTAMs.