Stories from Wenchang · China

A Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket is scheduled for launch carrying the Starlink Group 17-37 payload. The launch is currently set for May 23, 2026, at 14:00 UTC. A second potential launch for the same payload is scheduled for May 25, 2026, at 11:41:00 UTC. The launch was designated as 'Go for Launch' and occurred on Pad. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to launch the Starlink Group 17-42 mission. The first NET (No Earlier Than) date is May 19, 2026, at 03:52:00 UTC, with a second NET on May 20, 2026, at 02:11:00 UTC. Additionally, Starship Flight 12 is also marked as 'Go for Launch' with a target net time of May 20, 2026, at 22:30:00 UTC. Both launches are targeted for May 20, 2026. The launch provider and pad details are not specified. SpaceX has launched its 34th cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station for NASA.

The Long March 8 rocket is scheduled for a 'Go for Launch' status on May 16, 2026, at 14:00 UTC. A subsequent launch for the SpaceSail Polar Group is planned for May 17, 2026, at 14:40 UTC. The mission will carry the SpaceSail Polar Group payload. The specific launch times are 14:00:00 UTC and 14:40:00 UTC respectively. Both launches are currently marked as 'Go for Launch'.

The Long March 8 rocket is scheduled for a 'Go for Launch' status on May 15, 2026, at 14:00 UTC. The payload for this launch is currently unknown. The first launch is planned for May 15th at 14:00 UTC, with a second launch set for May 17th at 14:40 UTC.

The Wenchang Aerospace Launch Site, located in a coastal area with frequent heavy rains and over 100 lightning days annually, employs a specialized lightning protection system.

The Wenchang Space Launch Site facilities are reported to be in good condition, with pre-launch functional testing and joint inspections planned. The Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft re-entered the atmosphere last night, clearing a docking port for the Tianzhou-10.

The Tianzhou 10 rocket assembly began its transfer at the Wenchang Space Launch Site. The mission utilizes an upgraded Long March 7 carrier rocket. Personnel from various aerospace systems and scientific institutions are monitoring the assembly's progress. Personnel from various universities and scientific research teams are participating in the mission preparations. Personnel are currently managing the movement of the spacecraft assembly to prepare for the mission. Personnel and university representatives carrying scientific payloads are participating in the process. The mission aims to complete successful delivery of cargo to space. University personnel carrying scientific payloads also participated in the transfer process. Various teams, including those for the Tianzhou spacecraft, Long March rocket, aerospace systems, and launch site systems, are preparing for the mission.

Two upcoming launches for the Long March 6A rocket are scheduled for May 2026. The first mission features an unknown payload and is set for May 10, followed by a second launch on May 12. The launch will take place from the Wenchang Space Launch Site.

The Tianzhou 9 cargo spacecraft is expected to re-enter the atmosphere in the near future. Residual debris from the re-entry combustion is expected to fall into a predetermined safe sea area.

The Tianzhou 9 cargo spacecraft is expected to re-enter the atmosphere in the near future. Small amounts of debris from the combustion process during re-entry are expected to fall into a designated safe sea area. The spacecraft was launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Site on July 15 last year. It successfully docked behind the Tianhe core module of the space station after carrying supplies including astronaut consumables, thrusters, and experimental devices. The spacecraft separated from the space station module at 4:34 PM and is now in an independent flight phase. and is moving toward controlled re-entry. It successfully docked with the rear port of the Tiangong space station's core module. Its re-entry is planned from Wenchang. The Tianzhou 9 cargo ship is scheduled for controlled re-entry into Earth's atmosphere soon.

The Long March 6A rocket is scheduled for launch on May 10, 2026, at 14:00:00Z. A second launch with an unknown payload is slated for May 12, 2026. No specific date within May was provided. Launch status is currently listed as 'Go for Launch' with a target date of May 17, 2026.