Three exciting space launches today mark Tuesday, March 31, 2026 as a significant day for international space exploration. From India’s human spaceflight tests to China’s next-generation rocket debuts, today showcases the global reach of modern space technology.
Launches
Agencies
Countries
Gaganyaan Abort Test Booster — TV-D2
| Agency | Indian Space Research Organization |
| Rocket | Gaganyaan Abort Test Booster |
| Payload | Test Flight — Second inflight abort test of the Gaganyaan program |
| Orbit | Suborbital |
| Launch Site | Satish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad, Satish Dhawan Space Centre, India |
| Time (UTC) | TBD |
| Status | TBD — Awaiting final timing confirmation |
India takes another critical step toward sending astronauts to space with the TV-D2 mission. This test flight will demonstrate the crew escape system that could save lives if something goes wrong during launch.
The Gaganyaan program aims to make India the fourth nation to independently launch humans into space. TV-D2 follows the successful TV-D1 test in October 2023, bringing India closer to its first crewed mission planned for later this decade.
Long March 12B — Demo Flight
| Agency | China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation |
| Rocket | Long March 12B |
| Payload | Test Flight — First test launch of CASC’s Long March 12B rocket |
| Orbit | Unknown |
| Launch Site | Long March 12 series Pad, Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China |
| Time (UTC) | TBD |
| Status | TBD — Awaiting final timing confirmation |
China debuts its most advanced rocket yet with the maiden flight of the Long March 12B. This reusable rocket represents China’s answer to SpaceX’s Falcon 9, featuring a first stage designed to land and fly again.
The Long March 12B uses nine YF-102R engines in its first stage and can deliver 20,000 kg to low Earth orbit. According to SpaceNews, reusable launcher technology is gaining momentum worldwide as space agencies seek to reduce launch costs.
Long March 2C — Unknown Payload
| Agency | China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation |
| Rocket | Long March 2C/SMA |
| Payload | Unknown — Undisclosed government or military payload |
| Orbit | Unknown |
| Launch Site | Launch Area 94 (SLS-2 / 603), Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China |
| Time (UTC) | TBD |
| Status | TBD — Awaiting final timing confirmation |
The reliable Long March 2C rocket will carry a classified payload to orbit today. This workhorse rocket has completed 64 successful launches out of 65 attempts since 1982, making it one of China’s most trusted launch vehicles.
According to NASASpaceflight, China frequently launches unknown payloads that are likely government satellites for Earth observation or communications. The Long March 2C’s proven track record makes it ideal for important national missions.
What to Watch For
- India’s crew escape system test could clear the final hurdle before human spaceflight missions
- China’s Long March 12B debut marks a new era of reusable rocket technology competition
- Today’s three launches happen just one day before NASA’s historic Artemis II mission launches astronauts around the Moon
Today’s space launches today demonstrate the rapid pace of international space development. With Artemis II counting down for tomorrow’s launch around the Moon, the global space community is entering an exciting new chapter of exploration and competition.
Sources & Credibility
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100/100
About Low Boom Flight Demonstrator (LBFD) Project
— NASA · Government Agency · Official U.S. government space agency — primary source for NASA missions
Scoring factors: Government accountability (+); Peer-reviewed data (+); Official mission authority (+); Taxpayer-funded transparency requirements (+); Primary source for all NASA programs (+) -
98/100
Eight more satellites added to IRIDE space programme
— ESA · Government Agency · Official European Space Agency — intergovernmental organization of 22 member states
Scoring factors: Intergovernmental body (+); Peer-reviewed science (+); Official mission data (+); Multi-nation oversight (+) -
89/100
Europe’s progress on future access-to-space gains momentum with upcoming reusable launcher flight test
— SpaceNews · Space Journalism · Leading space industry trade publication since 1989
Scoring factors: 35+ year track record (+); Industry-focused editorial staff (+); Primary reporting on policy and contracts (+); Trade publication accountability (+) -
89/100
Artemis 2 countdown underway
— SpaceNews · Space Journalism · Leading space industry trade publication since 1989
Scoring factors: 35+ year track record (+); Industry-focused editorial staff (+); Primary reporting on policy and contracts (+); Trade publication accountability (+) -
88/100
Falcon 9 booster to fly for 34th time on Starlink delivery mission
— Spaceflight Now · Space Journalism · Veteran spaceflight journalism outlet — detailed launch coverage since 1999
Scoring factors: 25+ year track record (+); Dedicated launch correspondents (+); Technical depth (+); Independent editorial (+) -
82/100
Launch Roundup: SpaceX to start new Starlink shell; China, Russia to launch unknown payloads
— NASASpaceflight · Space Journalism · Independent spaceflight news community (not affiliated with NASA)
Scoring factors: Independent editorial (+); 20+ year track record (+); Community-driven, not government (-); Strong technical depth (+); Sometimes speculative on insider info (-) -
82/100
Launch Preview: SLS, Falcon 9, Atlas V, and Soyuz launches comprise busy launch manifest
— NASASpaceflight · Space Journalism · Independent spaceflight news community (not affiliated with NASA)
Scoring factors: Independent editorial (+); 20+ year track record (+); Community-driven, not government (-); Strong technical depth (+); Sometimes speculative on insider info (-)