CHINA AEROSPACE CORPORATION

Long March 3 | Zhongxing 7

FAILUREAug 18, 1996 at 10:27 UTCLong March 3
PADLaunch Complex 3 (LC-3/LA-1)
SITEXichang Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China →
ORBITGeostationary Orbit
TYPECommunications

ChinaSat 7 or ZX 7 (Zhongxing 7) is a Hughes HS-376 model geostationary telecommunications satellite built for the China Telecommunications Broadcast Satellite Corporation (ChinaSat). It was the first satellite ChinaSat had ordered from a western spacecraft contractor, Hughes Space and Communications International, Inc., known today as Boeing Satellite Systems International, Inc.

VEHICLE
Long March 3
AGENCY
China Aerospace Corporation
MISSION
Zhongxing 7
MISSION TYPE
Communications
TARGET ORBIT
Geostationary Orbit
COUNTRY
CHN
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 7ac557e8-ce96-43e9-9d3a-0ec7e1fef323
Reported date: Aug 18, 1996 at 10:27 UTC
Last synced: 18 hours ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
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MANUFACTURER
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
FLIGHTS
13
SUCCESSES
10
SUCCESS RATE
76.9%

The Long March 3 is a chinese orbital carrier rocket. They all launched from Launch Area 3 at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. It is a 3 stage rocket used to put communication satellites into geosynchronous trasfer orbits.

When is the Long March 3 | Zhongxing 7 launch?
The Long March 3 | Zhongxing 7 is scheduled for Sunday, August 18, 1996 at 10:27 AM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: FAILURE.
What rocket is being used for Zhongxing 7?
The Long March 3 | Zhongxing 7 mission uses the Long March 3 rocket, manufactured by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. The Long March 3 has flown 13 times with a 76.9% success rate.
Where is the Long March 3 | Zhongxing 7 launching from?
The launch takes place from Launch Complex 3 (LC-3/LA-1) at Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China.
What orbit is Zhongxing 7 going to?
The Zhongxing 7 mission is targeting Geostationary Orbit.
Who is launching Zhongxing 7?
The Long March 3 | Zhongxing 7 is operated by China Aerospace Corporation.
Can I watch the Long March 3 | Zhongxing 7 launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
Mar 29, 2026 01:15 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 01:15 UTC
Launch date set: Aug 18, 1996 at 10:27 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by China Aerospace Corporation
Mar 29, 2026 01:15 UTC
Launch failure reported
Updated via Launch Library 2
Last data sync: 18 hours ago
Launch Library 218 hours ago
Launch ID: 7ac557e8-ce96-43e9-9d3a-0ec7e1fef323
Open-Meteo Weather18 hours ago
Pad weather at 28.25, 102.03