Long March 12A: next launch, record and specs
Long March 12A/Changzheng 12A (LM-12A/CZ-12A) is a reusable orbital launch vehicle developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST) of the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). The rocket is based on the Long March 12, but extensively re-designed for first stage re-usability, and use of gas generator cycle methane/liquid oxygen powered rocket engines in both stages. The first stage uses 7 Longyun-70 engines designed and manufactured by the private company Jiuzhou Yunjian (JZYJ), while the second stage uses 1 YF-209V engine from CASC's Academy of Aerospace Liquid Propulsion Technology (AALPT). On launch missions where the first stage is recovered, it will land on a down-range landing pad located in Minqin County, Gansu Province.
Record
1 launches, 1 successful (100%), 1 successes in a row. Landings: 0 of 1.
Upcoming Long March 12A launches
- Flight 2: Long March 12A, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. Oct 2026 (date not set), from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China.
Specifications
- Maker: China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
- First flight: 2025-12-23
- Height: 69 m
- Diameter: 3.8 m
- Payload to low Earth orbit: 12,000 kg
- Reusable: Yes