On November 30, 2024, China successfully launched its Long March 12 rocket from the International Aviation and Space Launch Center located on Hainan Island. The mission marked the 548th flight of the Long March rocket series, with the Long March 12 completing its first successful payload delivery.
The Long March 12, developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CAST), utilizes a liquid oxygen and kerosene engine. It is the 22nd member of the Long March family and the 17th currently in operation. The rocket measures 3.8 meters in diameter and stands 62.6 meters tall, capable of delivering up to 12 tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 6 tons to Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) with a launch power of 430 tons.
This launch also marked the inaugural use of the Hainan launch center, which is specifically designed for commercial space flights. Construction of the center began in July 2022 and features two launch towers. The first tower, completed in December 2023, is designated for Long March 8 rocket launches, while the second tower will support launches of ten different types of liquid-fueled rockets.
With this facility, China now has five terrestrial launch centers, joining existing sites in Sichuan, the Gobi Desert, Shanxi, and Wenchang on Hainan Island.