The complete database of
Chinese Spacecraft
China has made impressive progress in building and launching spacecraft. CNSA, in fact, has positioned itself as a major player in the global space industry and continues to challenge traditional leaders in the field, such as NASA and Roscosmos. Discover China’s ambitious space program and spacecraft, driving exploration and innovation with significant milestones in crewed spaceflight and lunar exploration.
Chinese Space Programs
China has emerged as a major player in space exploration, with ambitious space programs led by the China National Space Administration (CNSA). The Chinese space program, which was established as CNSA in 1993, following the restructuring of the country’s aerospace sector, encompasses a wide range of activities, including satellite launches, crewed missions, lunar exploration, and the development of space infrastructure.
All Spacecraft from China
For the Moon, CNSA runs the Chang’e program. These spacecraft are named after a goddess from Chinese mythology. Some of them, like Chang’e 3, carried rovers to explore the Moon’s surface. One special mission, Chang’e 4, was the first to land on the far side of the Moon, a place no spacecraft had visited before. Another mission, Chang’e 5, brought back rocks and soil from the Moon, something that hadn’t been done in decades.
For Mars, China launched Tianwen-1, which arrived in 2021. This mission had an orbiter to study the planet from above, a lander to touch down, and a rover called Zhurong to explore the surface. It was a big achievement because only a few countries have successfully landed on Mars.
China is also building its own space station, called Tiangong, which means “Heavenly Palace.” Astronauts live and work there, conducting experiments and preparing for more ambitious missions in the future.
Chinese Rockets & Launch Vehicles
China’s space program employs a diverse array of launch vehicles, primarily under the Long March (Chang Zheng) series, developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). This family includes various models designed to deliver payloads to different orbits, supporting missions from satellite deployment to crewed spaceflights.
Long March 1 Rocket
The Long March 1 initiated China’s orbital launch capabilities in 1970, successfully placing the country’s first satellite into space.
Long March 11 Rocket
Learn about the Long March 11 rocket, China’s solid-fueled launch vehicle for small satellite missions, and discover its missions and design.
Long March 2 Rocket
This variant of the Long March series is notable for launching China’s first crewed spaceflight in 2003, carrying astronaut Yang Liwei.
Long March 3 Rocket
This variant specializes in high-energy missions such as geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite launches and interplanetary exploration.
Long March 5 Rocket
Discover the Long March 5 rocket, a cornerstone of China’s space program, renowned for its reliability and versatility.
Other Chinese SPacecraft
China’s space program includes advanced spacecraft like the reusable experimental spaceplane, which tests cost-effective, reusable technologies. The Chang’e lunar missions and Tianwen-1 Mars mission have achieved historic milestones, including the first far-side Moon landing and deploying the Zhurong rover on Mars. Additionally, China operates the Tiangong space station, supported by the Shenzhou crewed and Tianzhou cargo spacecraft, highlighting its growing leadership in space exploration.
Shenzhou Spacecraft
Explore the Shenzhou spacecraft, a symbol of China’s space ambitions, enabling crewed missions to Earth orbit and beyond.
Mengzhou Spacecraft
Explore Mengzhou, China’s cutting-edge spacecraft, showcasing the nation’s technological prowess and ambitions in crewed space exploration.
Tianzhou Spacecraft
Explore Tianzhou, China’s cargo spacecraft supporting the Tiangong space station. Learn about its missions, design, and contributions.
Tiangong Space Station
Explore the Tiangong Space Station, China’s ambitious endeavor in space exploration. Learn about its design and mission objectives.
Yutu (Chinese Lunar Rover)
Explore Yutu, China’s lunar rover, which explored the Moon’s surface, conducted scientific experiments, and provided valuable insights.
Chang’e 4 Lander & Rover
Explore Chang’e 4, China’s lunar rover exploring the far side of the Moon, conducting scientific experiments and unlocking many mysteries.
Zhurong (Chinese Mars Rover)
Explore Zhurong, China’s first Mars rover, as it explores the Martian surface, conducts experiments, and provides valuable insights.
Yaogan Satellite
Discover the role and capabilities of China’s Yaogan satellite series in enhancing national security and defense through advanced technology.
Chang’e 3 Lunar Lander
Explore the groundbreaking Chang’e 3 Lunar Lander mission, China’s first successful soft landing on the Moon and learn about its objectives.
Haolong Space Shuttle
China recently unveiled the Haolong space cargo shuttle, a reusable spacecraft designed to transport cargo to and from the Tiangong station.
Chang’e 1 Lunar Orbiter
Chang’e 1 was China’s first spacecraft to explore the Moon, launched in 2007 to study its surface, environment, and composition.
Chang’e 2 Lunar Probe
Chang’e 2 was China’s second lunar probe, launched on October 1, 2010, as part of the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program.
Chang’e 5 Lunar Sample Return
Chang’e 5 was a Chinese lunar sample return mission launched on November 23, 2020. It had an orbiter, a lander, an ascender, and a returner.