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CHINA AEROSPACE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

Long March 3B | Chang’e 3 & Yutu

SUCCESSDec 1, 2013 at 17:30 UTCLong March 3B →
PADLaunch Complex 2 (LC-2)
SITEXichang Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China →
ORBITLunar Orbit
TYPERobotic Exploration
PROGRAMChinese Lunar Exploration Program

Chang’e 3 is an uncrewed lunar exploration mission consisting of a robotic lander and China’s first lunar rover Yutu. The main objective of the mission is to achieve China’s first soft landing and roving exploration on the Moon, as well as performing lunar-based astronomical observation and studying lunar topography and geology.

MISSION
Chang'e 3 & Yutu
MISSION TYPE
Robotic Exploration
TARGET ORBIT
Lunar Orbit
PROGRAM
Chinese Lunar Exploration Program
COUNTRY
CHN
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: f2d23e54-6aeb-4dcf-88cb-d4e7e458daeb
Reported date: Dec 1, 2013 at 17:30 UTC
Last synced: 17 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
VARIANT
B
FLIGHTS
24
SUCCESSES
21
SUCCESS RATE
87.5%

The Long March 3B is a Chinese orbital carrier rocket. Introduced in 1996, it is launched from Launch Area 2 and 3 at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan. A three-stage rocket with four strap-on liquid rocket boosters, it is currently the most powerful member of the Long March rocket family and the heaviest of the Long March 3 rocket family, and is mainly used to place communications satellites into geosynchronous orbits.

When is the Long March 3B | Chang’e 3 & Yutu launch?
The Long March 3B | Chang’e 3 & Yutu is scheduled for Sunday, December 1, 2013 at 5:30 PM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for Chang'e 3 & Yutu?
The Long March 3B | Chang’e 3 & Yutu mission uses the Long March 3B rocket, manufactured by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. The Long March 3B has flown 24 times with a 87.5% success rate.
Where is the Long March 3B | Chang’e 3 & Yutu launching from?
The launch takes place from Launch Complex 2 (LC-2) at Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China.
What orbit is Chang'e 3 & Yutu going to?
The Chang'e 3 & Yutu mission is targeting Lunar Orbit.
Who is launching Chang'e 3 & Yutu?
The Long March 3B | Chang’e 3 & Yutu is operated by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. It is part of the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program program.
Can I watch the Long March 3B | Chang’e 3 & Yutu 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 00:03 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 00:03 UTC
Launch date set: Dec 1, 2013 at 17:30 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
Mar 29, 2026 00:03 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
Last data sync: 17 hours ago
Launch Library 217 hours ago
Launch ID: f2d23e54-6aeb-4dcf-88cb-d4e7e458daeb
Open-Meteo Weather17 hours ago
Pad weather at 28.25, 102.03
YouTube Video Search17 hours ago
1 video discovered