Long March 2C/SD | Iridium 42 & 44

China Aerospace Corporation flew Long March 2C/SD | Iridium 42 & 44 on a Long March 2C/SD out of Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China, placing its payload in LEO.

Launch time
Status
SUCCESS
Operator
China Aerospace Corporation
Mission type
Communications
Rocket
Long March 2C/SD
Launch site
Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China
Launch pad
Launch Complex 7
Payload
—
Target orbit
LEO
Long March 2C/SD | Iridium 42 & 44 cover image

Mission timeline

  1. 1997-12-08T07:16:49.000Z
    Liftoff
    Long March 2C/SD roars off the pad at Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China.
  2. Max-Q
    The vehicle reaches Max Q, the highest aerodynamic load of the flight.
  3. Main engine cutoff (MECO)
    MECO — first-stage propulsion ends after a nominal burn.
  4. Stage separation
    Clean stage separation confirmed.
  5. Second-stage ignition
    The upper-stage engine lights up after separation.
  6. Orbit insertion
    Orbit insertion confirmed — now circling in LEO.
  7. Mission success
    All mission objectives achieved.

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