China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation is scheduled to launch a Long March 8 rocket as part of the Queqiao-2 mission. The launch is scheduled on 01/31/2024 00:00 UTC for the Planetary Science mission launching from Wenchang Space Launch Site, People’s Republic of China. The status of the launch is Date/Time TBD. Don’t miss this exciting rocket launch! Watch the launch video of the Long March 8 and experience the excitement for yourself.
Mission: Queqiao-2
Queqiao-2 is a Chinese artificial satellite to serve as a communications relay for future Chinese lunar far side missions that cannot communicate directly with the Earth, beginning with the Chang’e 6 lunar sample return mission in 2024.
It will operate from a Distant Retrograde Orbit (DRO) of the Moon.
Rocket: Long March 8
Agency: China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) is the main contractor for the Chinese space program. It is state-owned and has a number of subordinate entities which design, develop and manufacture a range of spacecraft, launch vehicles, strategic and tactical missile systems, and ground equipment. It was officially established in July 1999 as part of a Chinese government reform drive, having previously been one part of the former China Aerospace Corporation. Various incarnations of the program date back to 1956.
