Iridium-MFS 1 & 2

Launch Success

Liftoff Time (GMT)

14:00:00

Monday September 1, 1997

Mission Details

Launch Notes

First flight of Long March 2C with an SD upper stage.

Wiki

The Iridium-MFS payloads were mass models of the Iridium communications satellites. Two were launched to test the new CZ-2C (2) SD launch vehicle and the payload dispenser.

Low Earth Orbit

2 Payloads

1,400 kilograms

Rocket

Retired

Long March 2C/SD

Active 1997 to 2003

Agency

CAC

Rocket

Height: 34.65m

Payload to Orbit

LEO: 2,500 kg

Liftoff Thrust

2,962 Kilonewtons

Fairing

Diameter: 3.35m

Height: 5.84m

Stages

3

Launch Site

LC-7

Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, China

Fastest Turnaround

32 days 15 hours

LC-7

Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, China

Fastest Turnaround

32 days 15 hours

Stats

Long March 2C

12th

Mission

1st

Mission of 1997

1997

50th

Orbital launch attempt