10th Anniversary of the Maiden Flight of the New Generation Medium-lift Rocket Long March 7!

At 20:00 on June 25, 2016, the Long March-7 Y1 carrier rocket/Yuanzheng-1A upper stage was launched from Launch Complex 2 at the Wenchang Space Launch Site in China, People’s Republic of China , subsequently sending multiple payloads, including a scaled-down return capsule of a multi-purpose spacecraft, into low Earth orbit. This mission marked the first launch from the Wenchang Launch Site and the maiden flight of the Long March-7 carrier rocket. The Long March-7 will celebrate its 10th anniversary of its maiden flight on June 25, 2026.

Early members of the Long March 5 series

The Long March 7 is a medium-sized version of the Long March 5 series of carrier rockets, which was originally planned as part of China’s new generation of Long March carrier rockets. Its booster stage, core stage, and core stage use the original Long March 5 series’ 2.25-meter diameter liquid oxygen/kerosene module, 3.35-meter diameter liquid oxygen/kerosene module, and 3.35-meter diameter core stage liquid oxygen/kerosene module, respectively, corresponding to the original Long March 5 series’ medium-sized two-and-a-half-stage carrier rocket.

Due to planning adjustments, the Long March 7 and Long March 6 were separated from the initial Long March 5 series rockets, forming separate medium and small models, and embarking on an independent development path.

Former manned rockets

The Long March 7 rocket was initially designed as a kerosene-fueled version of the Long March 2F (CZ-2F/H), retaining the same diameter rocket body for each stage, but replacing all main engines with liquid oxygen-kerosene engines. It was originally planned for launches of the Shenzhou manned spacecraft and the Tianzhou cargo spacecraft, but was later repurposed for cargo spacecraft launches.

The Long March 7 adopts a two-and-a-half-stage configuration. The booster stage uses four 2.25-meter diameter boosters, each equipped with one single-pendulum YF-100 liquid oxygen-kerosene engine; the core stage has a diameter of 3.35 meters and is equipped with two double-pendulum YF-100 engines; the core stage has a diameter of 3.35 meters and is equipped with four YF-115 engines (two double-pendulum and two non-pendulum); the fairing is the same 4.2-meter diameter fairing as the Long March 2FT.

The Long March 7 rocket is 53.075 meters tall, has a takeoff mass of about 597 tons, a takeoff thrust of 727 tons, a low Earth orbit (LEO) payload capacity of about 14 tons, a payload factor of about 2.35%, and a 700-kilometer circular sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) payload capacity of 5.5 tons.

Built to manned rocket standards, the Long March 7 boasts a reliability index of 0.98, necessitating a highly redundant design with multiple backups for critical equipment such as the flight control computer. These features significantly increase the rocket’s weight. Furthermore, to adapt to the windy and rainy conditions at the Wenchang launch site, the Long March 7 incorporates specific design features. The entire rocket is waterproof, enabling launches in moderate rain; its wind resistance has been enhanced, allowing for transport in winds up to force 8 and launches in winds expected only once every ten years. These additional design features to adapt to weather conditions have also contributed to the rocket’s overall weight.

The Long March 7 rocket achieved a reliability of 0.9871, contributing to the successful completion of 11 launches over 10 years. However, its high redundancy and wind/water resistant design resulted in a relatively large rocket weight, leading to a lower payload coefficient. Among the new generation of Long March launch vehicles, the Long March 7’s near-Earth payload coefficient of 2.35% is considered low.

The basic model of the new generation Long March rocket

The Long March 7 is the first medium-lift rocket and maiden flight model of the new generation of Long March carrier rockets. It was developed using the design concept of “modularization, combination and serialization” and different mission models were derived according to mission requirements.

The Long March 7A is a high-orbit rocket. Based on the Long March 7, it features a 3-meter diameter hydrogen-oxygen final stage (core stage) and undergoes adaptive modifications. This rocket corresponds to the original Long March 5 series, a medium-lift high-orbit launch vehicle with a three-and-a-half-stage configuration and a hydrogen-oxygen final stage. It is primarily used for medium-to-high Earth orbit launch missions and is planned to replace the previous generation of high-orbit dedicated launch vehicle, the Long March 3B.

The Long March 8 series is a dedicated launch vehicle for low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellations. Based on the Long March 7’s launch stage, the pair of diagonally opposite boosters are removed, and a 3-meter diameter hydrogen-oxygen final stage is added, forming the basic Long March 8 configuration with two boosters and two and a half stages. Removing the two boosters from the basic Long March 8 configuration results in the Long March 8 single-core stage configuration. Replacing the final stage with a 3.35-meter diameter hydrogen-oxygen final stage (core two-stage) on the basic Long March 8 configuration creates the Long March 8A. The Long March 8 series is primarily used for launch missions such as LEO constellation networking.

In the new generation of Long March rockets, the Long March 7 is the technological foundation for the development of the Long March 7 and Long March 8 series, supporting the development of five rocket models in the two series. It is a true basic model of the new generation of Long March rockets.

The Long March 10A will take over from the Long March 7 in launching the Tianzhou spacecraft.

Currently, the Long March 7 rocket is mainly used for launching the Tianzhou cargo spacecraft, serving as the dedicated cargo train for the Tiangong space station. As the Tiangong space station enters a phase of routine operation, cost reduction and efficiency improvement have become more prominent. As a expendable launch vehicle, the Long March 7, while highly reliable and accurate in orbital insertion, is not cost-effective. To reduce cargo launch costs, alternative solutions are needed, and using reusable rockets is one of the best options.

The Long March 10 series includes two manned spaceflight models with four configurations. The Long March 10A cargo configuration is used to launch the Tianzhou cargo spacecraft. The Long March 10A cargo configuration employs a two-stage tandem configuration, with the first stage supporting multiple recoveries and reuses. This rocket is 66.4 meters high, 5 meters in diameter, and has a launch mass of approximately 750 tons. In its single-use state, its low Earth orbit (LEO) payload capacity is around 20 tons; with the first stage recovered, its LEO payload capacity is no less than 14.2 tons. In its recovered state, the Long March 10A cargo version can meet the full-load launch requirements of the Tianzhou spacecraft, and its launch cost is lower, making it a potential replacement for the Long March 7. The Long March 7, however, will need to find alternative deployment methods.

Conclusion

The Long March 7, initially designed for manned launches and later used for cargo launches, will be replaced by the Long March 10A cargo version, its role constantly evolving. As the basic model of the new generation of Long March rockets, by sharing the core stage and boosters, and with the increasing launch frequency of the Long March 7A and Long March 8 series, the launch cost of the Long March 7 rocket will be further reduced. When the Long March 7 retires from manned space missions, through simplified configuration and weight reduction, its carrying capacity and efficiency can be significantly improved, while reducing the launch cost per unit mass, making it a launch vehicle with greater carrying capacity, lower cost, and sufficient reliability.

Designed for low Earth orbit (LEO) missions, the Long March 7 offers significant sun-synchronous orbit and low Earth orbit (LEO) payload capacity, supporting the mass deployment of LEO constellations and the launch of large LEO remote sensing satellites. This will effectively cover the launch needs of military, civilian, and commercial satellites in the LEO range. Therefore, even if its role changes in the coming years, the Long March 7 will remain one of China’s main launch vehicle models, providing high-quality launch services at a reasonable cost.

Images and visuals are from their Respectives CMS China Manned SpaceCNSA-China National Space Administration

Beijing Zhongke Aerospace Exploration Technology Co., Ltd. is the first domestic aerospace enterprise with mixed ownership, and it is also the target enterprise that Oriental Aerospace Port focuses on introducing. Relying on the scientific research strength and resource advantages of the Institute of Mechanics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Aerospace Flight Technology Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China Aerospace Science and Technology has been committed to the research and development and integration of space technology and aerospace vehicles as a platform for the transformation of major national scientific research projects, as well as the transformation and provision of technological achievements. Aerospace launch service. The Lijian-1 rocket project also adds a brand-new name card to the Oriental Space Port, which will surely promote the construction of the Oriental Space Port to take a solid step forward.

The LiJian-1 Y15 carrier rocket successfully rolled off the production line and is scheduled to launch five satellites in one go at the Dongfeng Commercial Aerospace Innovation Test Zone in the near future

The Lijian-1 Y15 carrier rocket successfully rolled off the production line, once again breaking the model’s delivery record. Just two days after the successful completion of the Lijian-1 Y14 carrier rocket’s “one rocket, eight satellites” launch mission on June 15th, the rocket achieved an efficient continuity between mission completion and new rocket delivery. Currently, the Lijian-1 has achieved a high-density operational rhythm of “monthly rocket delivery and monthly launch,” fully demonstrating that this model possesses mature operational capabilities for batch storage, rolling backup, and rapid launch. Relying on the production base’s pulsed assembly line efficiency model and a complete, self-controlled system encompassing R&D, testing, production, and launch, the Lijian-1’s strength in high-density, low-cost, and rapid-response large-scale delivery continues to be solidified.

The Lijian-1 Y15 carrier rocket completed its final assembly and testing at the Zhongke Aerospace Industrialization Base on June 17, 2026, and successfully passed its factory acceptance review. It is scheduled to launch five satellites in one go at the Dongfeng Commercial Aerospace Innovation Test Zone in the near future . This delivery comes just two days after the successful launch of eight satellites with the Lijian-1 Y14 rocket on June 15, setting a new delivery record and marking the rocket’s achievement of a high-density operational rhythm of ” monthly rocket delivery and monthly launch .” As China’s most powerful privately-developed solid-propellant carrier rocket currently in service, the Lijian-1 has a payload capacity of 1.5 tons to a 500-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit and 2 tons to a low Earth orbit. It adopts a four-stage solid-propellant configuration, is 30 meters long, and has a takeoff weight of 135 tons, boasting advantages such as rapid response, high reliability, and low cost. Its efficient delivery is attributed to its pulsed assembly line production model and a fully self-reliant and controllable supply chain system. According to the plan, while maintaining routine land-based launches, the Lijian-1 will also conduct two sea-based launches in the second half of the year, further expanding its launch flexibility.

I. Core Facts

1. Rocket Status

The Long March 1-1 Y15 carrier rocket successfully completed its final assembly and testing at the CAS Aerospace Industrialization Base on June 17, 2026, and passed the factory acceptance

2. Launch Arrangement

The launch mission is scheduled to take place in the Dongfeng Commercial Aerospace Innovation Test Zone in the near future, using a “one rocket, five satellites” approach.

II. Direct Cause

1. High-density delivery schedule

The delivery of this rocket came just two days after the successful completion of the “one rocket, eight satellites” launch mission of the Lijian-1 Y14 carrier rocket on June 15, achieving an efficient continuity between the completion of the launch mission and the delivery of the new rocket, once again setting a new record for the model’s delivery.

2. Supported by mature operational capabilities

The Lijian-1 rocket has achieved a high-density operational rhythm of “monthly rocket production and monthly launch,” fully demonstrating that this model has mature operational capabilities for batch storage, rolling backup, and rapid launch.

3. Production base support

Relying on the pulsed, automated, and highly efficient production model of the CAS Aerospace Industrialization Base, as well as the complete, self-controlled system encompassing R&D, testing, production, and launch, a hardware foundation has been provided for the rapid delivery of rockets

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[Tianyi Space’s High-Frequency, High-Resolution InSAR Satellite “Caiyun SAR01” Launched]

On June 23, 2026, the Yunnan Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources Exploration and Development, Yunnan Geological and Mineral Resources Group Co., Ltd., and Tianyi Space Technology Co., Ltd. held a grand launch ceremony in Weihai for the “Caiyun SAR01” satellite (Tianyi 51 satellite), sending off the satellite transport convoy to the launch site. The satellite is scheduled to launch soon.

“Caiyun SAR01” satellite, jointly developed by the Yunnan Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources Exploration and Development, Yunnan Geological and Mineral Resources Group, and Tianyi Space, is a high-resolution, wide-swath synthetic aperture radar satellite designed entirely with the operational needs of InSAR (Inductively Coupled Aperture Radar Interferometry) in mind. This satellite can conduct high-frequency InSAR re-orbit observations, significantly improving the early identification and emergency monitoring capabilities of geological disasters.

The “Caiyun SAR01” satellite possesses all-weather, all-day imaging capabilities, unaffected by clouds, rain, dense fog, or nighttime lighting conditions, effectively filling the optical remote sensing monitoring blind spot in Yunnan during the long six-month rainy season. This satellite will comprehensively support key tasks such as geological disaster prevention and control in the complex terrain of Southwest China, safety monitoring of major infrastructure, dynamic supervision of mines, emergency rescue for floods and earthquakes, and routine surveys of natural resources along the border. Relying on its high-quality SAR data, Yunnan Province will construct a complete technical system encompassing satellite on-orbit operation, payload imaging acquisition, InSAR professional data processing, and in-depth industry applications, stably generating millimeter-level, high-confidence surface deformation monitoring products. This will propel the province’s remote sensing applications from traditional optical methods of “clearly seeing surface morphology” to a new stage where InSAR technology can “accurately detect underground deformation, quickly respond to disaster risks, and effectively support decision-making.”

After its launch, the “Caiyun SAR01” satellite will significantly increase the observation coverage density in Yunnan and surrounding low-latitude regions, achieving full coverage of the entire province and daily revisits to key areas. This will provide a sufficient high-quality data foundation for InSAR time-series deformation monitoring, greatly improving monitoring accuracy and continuity, and precisely matching Yunnan’s urgent needs for disaster prevention and mitigation. Once operational, the satellite will provide strong technical support for timely understanding of surface deformation dynamics and accurate geological disaster prevention work, effectively safeguarding the lives and property of the people of the province. 

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[First Satellite Launched for China’s First Commercial Space Debris Monitoring Constellation – LX630 – Scheduled for July Launch!]

 On June 16th, the launch ceremony for the first satellite of China’s first commercial space debris monitoring constellation – the LX630 – was held in Liangxi. According to the plan, the first satellite of the LX630 constellation will be launched in July this year.

The first phase of the constellation plans to deploy 14 satellites, each carrying a high-sensitivity detection camera. The first satellite is scheduled to be launched into orbit soon, and the entire constellation system is expected to be fully completed and operational by 2027.

On June 16, the launch ceremony for the first satellite of China’s first dedicated constellation for commercial space debris monitoring, the LX630 constellation, was held in Liangxi.

Cao Jinbin, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Dean of the School of Space Environment at Beihang University; Luo Ge, Chairman of the China Association for Remote Sensing Applications and Academician of the International Academy of Astronautics; Shen Xuhui, Academician of the International Academy of Astronautics; and experts and representatives from universities and research institutes such as Nanjing University, Beihang University, Jiangnan University, Southeast University, Shanghai Astronomical Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China Academy of Space Technology, and China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, as well as heads of commercial aerospace companies, gathered together to witness this important moment.

Zhou Zichuan, Secretary of the District Party Committee and District Mayor, and Secretary of the Party Committee and Director of the Wuxi Liangxi Science and Technology City Administration Bureau, presented the flag to the first satellite test team. Chen Hanjie, Xin Le, and Huang Li, leaders of Liangxi District and Liangxi Science and Technology City, participated in the event.

With the rapid development of commercial spaceflight and the dense networking of mega-constellations, the number of on-orbit space targets and space debris continues to rise. Against this backdrop, accelerating the construction of a high-precision, intelligent space target perception system is not only a crucial step in bringing cutting-edge technologies into engineering practice, but also an important guarantee for safeguarding space assets and achieving the sustainable use of orbital resources.

As a domestic commercial aerospace company focusing on the research and development of space propulsion systems and space situational awareness services , Aerospace Technology has been working closely with Liangxi Aerospace Technology Group since it settled in Liangxi in 2024 to jointly promote the construction of the LX630 constellation .

The constellation aims to provide on-orbit safety and data application services for spacecraft, enabling high-efficiency revisit coverage across the entire sky, rapid identification of key targets, effective detection of small space debris, ensuring the efficient and safe operation of commercial mega-constellations, supporting collaborative management of space traffic, and serving national space strategic security.

The first phase of the constellation plan includes 14 satellites , each equipped with a high-sensitivity detection camera. The first satellite is scheduled to be launched into orbit soon, and the entire constellation system is expected to be fully completed and operational by 2027. In the future, it will leverage strategic industry partnerships to build a ubiquitous sensing network of thousands of space-based sensors , ultimately establishing a comprehensive, all-weather, and high-precision space sensing system, truly achieving an integrated service capability of “seeing clearly, seeing far, and seeing precisely” space targets .

During the event, the Aotian Xunyu Operations Headquarters Base was officially handed over. As a subsidiary jointly established by Aotian Technology and Liangxi Aerospace Technology Group, Aotian Xunyu is committed to providing space orbital safety services, realizing comprehensive space environment monitoring, multi-dimensional situational awareness of space objects, and scenario services for the safe and efficient operation of spacecraft orbits. After the base is put into operation, it will fully support the company’s scientific research and business expansion, focusing on the needs of space debris monitoring and management, and providing integrated space-ground engineering solutions for domestic and foreign customers.

The three industry-education integration talent training bases unveiled at the same time will rely on the resources of universities such as Nanjing University, Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and Jiangnan University to deepen the integration of industry and education, cultivate professional talents in the field of spatial target perception, and gather a powerful synergy for collaborative innovation among government, industry, academia, research and application.

At the event, Aotian Technology launched a series of new situational awareness data products, including the “Tianjing” space target full-domain perception system, the “Tianxun” space traffic service platform, and the “Tiandun” space threat early warning system. These products will provide strong technical support and optimize data services for the industry from various aspects.

Aotianxunyu, Southeast University, Jiangnan University, Huanyu Satellite, Galaxy Aerospace, MicroNano Space, Guoxing Aerospace and other units jointly signed an agreement to form a space target intelligent perception innovation consortium and build an industrial community with resource sharing and win-win cooperation.

The “Soaring Towards the Future” science popularization campaign was also launched at the event, aiming to promote aerospace knowledge to the general public.

From satellite launch to consortium formation, from base delivery to platform unveiling, from product release to public welfare launch… This event comprehensively showcased the strong vitality of Liangxi’s commercial aerospace industry and directly demonstrated that Liangxi’s aerospace industry has steadily entered a new stage of full-area ecological operation, moving beyond project attraction and park development.

As one of the first pilot areas for the clustered development of future industries in Jiangsu Province, Liangxi has achieved remarkable results in the clustered development of the commercial aerospace industry in just a few years. It has now gathered 110 leading enterprises and established a complete industrial chain that integrates rockets, ships, satellites, and networks, integrates communication, navigation, telemetry, and computing, and covers high, medium, and low orbits.

The vast galaxy is the future. With the rapid formation of a distinctive aerospace industry cluster encompassing core power manufacturing, satellite system integration, constellation operation and management, and data application services, we believe that more exciting moments will unfold in Liangxi, and more first rockets and satellites will soar from Liangxi into the vast universe.

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Xiandeng Aerospace, legally known as Shenzhen Xiandeng Aerospace Technology Co., Ltd. (also trading as Ascendx), is an emerging Chinese commercial space launch company based in Shenzhen, China, People’s Republic of China.

Xiandeng operates within the rapidly growing ecosystem of Chinese private space companies looking to commercialize orbital launches and compete in the broader market for low-Earth orbit payload deliver. Building special rockets designed specifically for 100- to 500-kilogram class small satellites. It also specializes in precision-engineered ground infrastructure such as mobile launch platforms, control systems, and integrated support module Founded in 2024 by Ge Minghe—a former executive at Landspace—the startup focuses on developing medium-lift, reusable rocket technology: Planning the development of a 1.5-stage reusable launch vehicle.

[The XD-3 rocket is scheduled for its maiden flight between the fourth quarter of 2027 and the first quarter of 2028, and will enter commercial operation in 2028.]

Recently, Shenzhen Xiandeng Aerospace Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Xiandeng Aerospace”) officially put its dedicated rocket assembly and testing facility at the Haiyang Maritime Commercial Space Launch Site in Shandong Province into operation. The company’s core product, the XD-3 small liquid-fueled launch vehicle, has completed its design and assembly work. These two milestones mark significant progress for Xiandeng Aerospace in rocket engineering development, laying a solid foundation for the maiden flight of the XD-3 launch vehicle in 2027.

The assembly and testing facility is located at the Oriental Spaceport .

The Oriental Spaceport, located in Haiyang City, Shandong Province, is China’s first maritime commercial space launch site. Leveraging its unique geographical advantages and comprehensive port facilities, it has become a strategic location for domestic commercial aerospace companies. Xiandeng Aerospace has a 3,000-square-meter dedicated assembly and testing facility there, capable of meeting the full-process needs of rocket assembly, integration testing, and launch erection, providing comprehensive launch support for the XD-3’s maiden flight in 2027.

The commissioning of the factory signifies that Xiandeng Aerospace now possesses independent rocket assembly and testing capabilities. Equipped with advanced lifting equipment and precision measurement systems, the factory can support the entire development process, from segment assembly to full rocket assembly, and from single-unit testing to system integration testing.

The

XD-3 prototype rocket, designed to a 1:1 scale with a real flight rocket, uses low-cost, full-size equivalent test pieces to proactively identify and resolve potential problems in assembly, interface matching, and cable laying, verifying the coordination and compatibility of all rocket system interfaces and launch support systems. The XD-3 prototype rocket’s

design and assembly were driven by both material innovation and process optimization. The completion of the prototype rocket provides multiple support for Xiandeng Aerospace’s subsequent development work:

● Design verification closed loop :
From digital model to physical structure, the entire chain of design-manufacturing-assembly verification is completed, ensuring the engineering feasibility of the design scheme.

● Process system finalization :
Through assembly practice, standardized process specifications for segmented connection, pipeline and cable laying, etc., have been formed, which can be directly transferred and applied to the final assembly of the flight rocket.

● Team Capability Building:
The team’s practical experience accumulated in key areas such as material substitution, process breakthroughs, and precision control provides core technological capabilities for subsequent rocket development.

● Risk Control Prioritized:
Before the rocket enters production, technical risks such as interface incompatibility, process infeasibility, equipment interference, erection, and transportation are mitigated in advance, avoiding rework of the final product and ensuring development milestones are met.

The completion of the XD-3 prototype rocket signifies that design risks have been fully released and engineering risks are controllable, laying a solid foundation for the 2027 first flight timeline.

XD-3 Launch Vehicle Main Technical Parameters:

The XD-3 is a small liquid-fueled launch vehicle independently developed by Xiandeng Aerospace. It adopts a two-stage orbital insertion configuration, with two liquid oxygen/kerosene engines in the first stage and one liquid oxygen/kerosene engine in the second stage. The rocket body has a diameter of 2.9 meters, a takeoff mass of 195 tons, and possesses rapid response launch capabilities. This rocket is precisely positioned in the 1.5-2.0 ton “golden” payload capacity range, targeting the needs of small satellite constellation deployment and medium-to-large satellite resupply, filling the gap in domestic liquid rockets of this payload capacity. The single-engine BOM cost is expected to decrease by more than 30% compared to existing mature solutions. Its 500 km SSO orbit payload capacity reaches 2.2 tons, employing a mature subsystem design and prioritizing reliability.

With its maiden flight imminent in 2027, commercial operation is poised to begin.

According to the development plan, the XD-3 rocket will achieve its maiden flight between the fourth quarter of 2027 and the first quarter of 2028, entering the commercial operation phase in 2028. Currently, related products for avionics, structure, and launch support systems will be delivered successively in the second half of 2026. The commissioning of the Haiyang assembly and testing plant and the completion of the assembly of the prototype test rocket are important milestones in the development of Xiandeng Aerospace, marking the imminent transition of the XD-3 rocket from the design phase to the engineering implementation phase. As the 2027 maiden flight target draws ever closer, the company will continue to steadily advance all development work to ensure the complete success of the maiden flight mission .

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