SAST – Page 2 – SpaceNews

A SAST (Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology) vertical takeoff, vertical landing (VTVL) rocket prototype during a test flight, kicking up dust from the ground. The rocket's engines emit a bright flame, indicating an active and controlled descent. The test was conducted in a desert-like environment under clear skies.

Civil, Launch, News

China performs high altitude reusable rocket test with uncertain outcome

by Andrew JonesJanuary 20, 2025January 20, 2025

Nighttime launch of the Long March 3B rocket carrying the Shijian-25 satellite, illuminating the surroundings at Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

Civil, Launch, News

China launches Shijian-25 satellite to test on-orbit refueling and mission extension technologies

by Andrew JonesJanuary 6, 2025January 6, 2025

A Landspace Zhuque-3 prototype rocket stage, powered by a methane-liquid oxygen exhuast plume, in the skies above the desert at Jiuquan spaceport, Jan. 19, 2024.

Civil, Commercial, Launch, News

China to debut new Long March and commercial rockets in 2025

by Andrew JonesJanuary 2, 2025January 3, 2025

A dramatic nighttime launch of China's Long March 5B rocket from the Wenchang Space Launch Center on December 16, 2024. Bright orange flames and thick clouds of white smoke illuminate the launchpad as the rocket ascends into the sky, carrying the first 10 satellites for the Guowang ('national net') low Earth orbit communications megaconstellation. Tall support towers frame the scene against the dark backdrop, highlighting the power and scale of the mission.

Civil, Launch, News

China kicks off Guowang megaconstellation with Long March 5B launch

by Andrew JonesDecember 16, 2024December 16, 2024

A Long March 2D rocket lifting off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center under clear blue skies, showcasing bright exhaust flames and smoke as it carries the Yuanzheng-3 upper stage and five high-speed laser communication test satellites into orbit.

Civil, Launch, News

China launches “laser diamond constellation test” satellites

by Andrew JonesDecember 13, 2024December 13, 2024

A Long March 6A rocket lifts off from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in northern China, surrounded by four towering lightning rods, leaving a plume of dense white exhaust against a backdrop of a partly cloudy blue sky. The launch marks the deployment of the third batch of 18 Qianfan (Thousand Sails) satellites, a key step in China's ambitious low Earth orbit megaconstellation project, December 5, 2024.

Commercial, Launch, News

Long March 6A launches third batch of Thousand Sails constellation satellites

by Andrew JonesDecember 5, 2024December 5, 2024

Nighttime launch of the Long March 12 rocket from the Wenchang Commercial Space Launch Site, illuminating the sky with bright flames and plumes of smoke

Civil, Commercial, Launch, News

China launches first Long March 12 from new commercial spaceport in boost for country’s lunar plans

by Andrew JonesNovember 30, 2024November 30, 2024

Commercial, Launch, News

Long March 2C launches 4 PIESAT-2 commercial radar satellites

by Andrew JonesNovember 9, 2024November 9, 2024

China selects 2 proposals for crewed moon rover

by Andrew JonesOctober 29, 2024October 29, 2024

Civil, Launch, News

China launches 3 Tianping-3 radar calibration satellites

by Andrew JonesOctober 22, 2024October 22, 2024