China Launches Long March Rocket from Taiyuan Center
On November 14, 2024, at 6:50 AM Beijing time (November 13, 22:50 UTC), China successfully launched the Long March 4C rocket from Launch Complex 9 at the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center (TSLC) in Shanxi Province.
The Long March 4C (长征四号丙, CZ-4C), a Chinese three-stage orbital rocket, is designed for versatile satellite missions and operates from China’s primary launch sites in Jiuquan (酒泉), Taiyuan (太原), and Xichang (西昌). Known for launching various payloads, including Yaogan (遥感) synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) satellites and the Fengyun-3A (风云三号A) meteorological satellite, the Long March 4C plays a central role in China’s satellite deployment program.
The launch on November 14 was conducted by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), representing the 56th mission for the Long March 4C rocket and the 211th orbital launch attempt of 2024.
🚀 Liftoff at 22:42UTC on November 13, Long March 4C Y53 launched a Ocean Salinity Observing Satellite (Haiyang-4-01) from Taiyuan pic.twitter.com/Huj3tjcd64
— China 'N Asia Spaceflight 🚀𝕏 🛰️ (@CNSpaceflight) November 14, 2024
Long March 4C: Key Launch Vehicle in China’s Space Program
The Long March 4C is a three-stage orbital launch vehicle designed to deliver payloads into low Earth orbit (LEO) and Sun-synchronous orbits (SSO). The rocket can carry up to 4,200 kilograms to LEO, supporting a variety of Earth observation, meteorological, and scientific satellites.
The Long March 4C has a record of reliable service in China’s satellite deployment program, consistently used for launching weather and Earth observation satellites. The vehicle is notable for its ability to launch from multiple Chinese satellite launch centers, including Taiyuan, which is optimized for missions requiring polar and Sun-synchronous orbits.
Specifications and History of Long March 4C
The Long March 4C rocket was derived from the Long March 4B and introduced several enhancements, including a restartable third stage and a larger payload fairing. Initially designated the Long March 4B-II, it has since launched numerous high-profile missions, such as the Yaogan synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) satellite series and the Fengyun-3A meteorological satellite.
Specifications of Long March 4C:
- Height: 45.8 meters (150 feet)
- Diameter: 3.35 meters (11.0 feet)
- Mass: 250,000 kilograms (550,000 pounds)
- Stages: 3
The Long March 4C operates from three Chinese satellite launch centers—Jiuquan, Taiyuan, and Xichang—capable of both civilian and military satellite operations. However, it has experienced operational setbacks; a notable failure on September 1, 2016, prevented the Gaofen 10 satellite from reaching its designated orbit.
Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center’s Strategic Role
The Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, situated at 1,500 meters above sea level in Shanxi Province, has been fully operational since 1968. The center is equipped with three active launch pads—LA-7, LA-9, and LA-16—which support launches of the Long March 1D, 2C, 4B, 4C, and 6 rockets.
LA-9 specifically accommodates the Chang Zheng 2C, 4B, and 4C variants. Since its first use in October 2008, LA-9 has supported various satellite deployments for Earth observation, scientific research, and meteorological missions. The site is also used for testing China’s Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) and Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs), reflecting its strategic importance beyond civilian space exploration.
