# Long March 12

> Chinese expendable medium-lift launch vehicle

**Wikidata**: [Q138305557](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138305557)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/long-march-12-q138305557

## Summary
The Long March 12 (LM-12) is a Chinese expendable medium-lift launch vehicle developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology. It is part of the Long March series and made its maiden flight on November 30, 2024, from the Wenchang Commercial Space Launch Site. The rocket has a launch weight of 430 tonnes and can carry payloads of up to 12,000 kg to low Earth orbit or 6,000 kg to sun-synchronous orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Expendable medium-lift launch vehicle
- **Developer**: Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology
- **Operator**: China National Space Administration
- **First flight**: November 30, 2024
- **Launch weight**: 430 tonnes
- **Height**: 62.6 meters
- **Diameter**: 3.8 meters
- **Payload capacity**:
  - 12,000 kg to low Earth orbit
  - 6,000 kg to sun-synchronous orbit
- **Aliases**: Chang Zheng 12 (CZ-12), LM-12
- **Country of origin**: People's Republic of China
- **Variants**: CZ-12-1 and CZ-12-2

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Long March 12 used for?
A: The Long March 12 is a medium-lift launch vehicle designed to deploy satellites into low Earth orbit and sun-synchronous orbit, supporting China's expanding space network and commercial space activities.

### Q: Where does the Long March 12 launch from?
A: The Long March 12 launches from the Wenchang Commercial Space Launch Site, which was debuted alongside the rocket's maiden flight in 2024.

### Q: How does the Long March 12 compare to other Chinese rockets?
A: The Long March 12 is a medium-lift vehicle, similar to the Long March 3 and Long March 7, but with a focus on commercial and dedicated missions rather than large-scale payloads.

### Q: What are the main payload capabilities of the Long March 12?
A: The Long March 12 can carry up to 12,000 kg to low Earth orbit and 6,000 kg to sun-synchronous orbit, making it suitable for a range of satellite deployment missions.

### Q: Who developed the Long March 12?
A: The Long March 12 was developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, a key player in China's space program.

## Why It Matters
The Long March 12 represents a significant advancement in China's space launch capabilities, particularly in the medium-lift category. Its successful maiden flight in November 2024 marked a milestone for the country's commercial space sector, demonstrating the ability to deploy dedicated missions efficiently. The rocket's payload capacity and modular design make it versatile for both government and commercial applications, supporting China's ambitions in satellite deployment and space infrastructure development. By launching from the Wenchang Commercial Space Launch Site, the Long March 12 also highlights China's growing focus on commercial space activities, aligning with global trends in private and public-private partnerships in space exploration.

## Notable For
- **Maiden flight**: Successfully launched on November 30, 2024, marking the first operational mission of the Wenchang Commercial Space Launch Site.
- **Modular design**: Features variants like CZ-12-1 and CZ-12-2, allowing for tailored missions.
- **Commercial focus**: Designed to support dedicated satellite launches, catering to both government and commercial needs.
- **Payload capacity**: Offers competitive payload capabilities for medium-lift rockets, including 12,000 kg to LEO and 6,000 kg to SSO.
- **Technological advancement**: Represents a step forward in China's reusable and expendable launch vehicle technologies.

## Body
### Overview
The Long March 12 (LM-12) is a Chinese expendable medium-lift launch vehicle developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology. It is part of the Long March series and made its maiden flight on November 30, 2024, from the Wenchang Commercial Space Launch Site. The rocket has a launch weight of 430 tonnes and can carry payloads of up to 12,000 kg to low Earth orbit or 6,000 kg to sun-synchronous orbit.

### Development and Design
- **Developer**: Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology
- **Operator**: China National Space Administration
- **Height**: 62.6 meters
- **Diameter**: 3.8 meters
- **Variants**: CZ-12-1 and CZ-12-2

### Launch and Deployment
- **First flight**: November 30, 2024
- **Launch site**: Wenchang Commercial Space Launch Site
- **Payload capacity**:
  - 12,000 kg to low Earth orbit
  - 6,000 kg to sun-synchronous orbit

### Significance
The Long March 12 is notable for its role in advancing China's commercial space capabilities. Its successful maiden flight demonstrated the effectiveness of the Wenchang Commercial Space Launch Site, which was debuted alongside the rocket. The rocket's modular design and payload capacity make it a versatile option for both government and commercial satellite deployment missions.

## References

1. [New rocket marks debut mission of launch center](https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202412/02/content_WS674d1bcdc6d0868f4e8ed95f.html)
2. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/cz-12.htm)
3. [长征十二号运载火箭计划今年首飞-新华网. Xinhua News Agency. 2024](http://www.xinhuanet.com/20240226/5b34b596413a467eaa1d1f7d8faf976b/c.html)
4. [China debuts $553 million spaceport with launch of new Long March-12 rocket (video). space.com. 2024](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/china-debuts-usd553-million-spaceport-with-launch-of-new-long-march-12-rocket-video)
5. [China launches Long March 12 rocket, deploys satellites for expanding space network. China Daily. 2026](https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202601/19/WS696e163ea310d6866eb348ec.html)
6. [China’s 4-meter-diameter launch vehicle, Long March 12, makes its maiden flight successfully. Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology. 2024](https://www.sast.net/news/265.html)
7. [Source](https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202412/01/content_WS674b9ae1c6d0868f4e8ed909.html)