LAUNCH CENTER

Success

Sat Sep 09 2006

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation

Shi Jian 8

Launch Successful

LAUNCH PREVIEW

Launch Time

(7:00 AM UTC)

Launch Window Start

(7:00 AM UTC)

Launch Window End

(7:00 AM UTC)

RECOVERY OVERVIEW

Location

No Recovery Specified

Type

No Recovery Specified

Rocket Details

Name:

Long March 2C

Description:

The Long March 2C is a family of expendable launch vehicles made and operated by China. It is a two stage launch vehicle with storable propellants, consisting of Nitrogen Tetroxide and Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine.

MISSION OVERVIEW

Type: Earth Science
SJ 8 (Shijian 8) is a recoverable satellite based on the FSW type reentry vehicle, which is used to expose 215 kilograms of seeds of plants and fungus to the space environment. It was recovered after several weeks. Once the space-bred seeds are recovered, the Ministry of Agriculture organized research institutions to develop new seeds featuring high yield, good quality and high efficiency.

COMPLEX OVERVIEW

Location

Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China

Pad

Launch Area 4 (SLS-2 / 603)