NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

Experimental Spaceplane (CSSHQ)

Launch Time
Fri Sep 04, 2020 07:30 UTC

Experimental launch of a spaceplane capable of returning to Earth. China's first space shuttle. The exact identity of the shuttle has not been confirmed. Launch time is approximate based on orbit tracking data.

Rocket

Long March 2F/T
Image Credit: CASC
CASC
Status: Active
Liftoff Thrust: 5,985 kN
Payload to LEO: 8,600 kg
Payload to GTO: 0 kg
Stages: 2
Strap-ons: 4
Rocket Height: 52.03 m
Fairing Diameter: 3.8 m
Fairing Height: 12.78 m

Mission Details

Experimental Spaceplane (CSSHQ)

Chongfu Shiyong Shiyan Hangtian Qi (CSSHQ) is the first Chinese reusable test spacecraft. The test spacecraft will return to its intended domestic landing site after an unspecified period in orbit, during which technical validation of the reusable spacecraft and its systems will be carried out. Reportedly the spacecraft is a winged space plane. No details are known.

It returned to Earth after 2 days in orbit with a landing near Lop Nor. It left behind an object in orbit, which may be some kind of service module, a solar array, or a satellite payload.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 8,500.0 kg
Low Earth Orbit

Location

Site 901 (SLS-1), Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, China

Stats

2020

69th orbital launch attempt

Long March 2F

14th mission
1st mission of 2020
14th successful mission