At 7:43 am on October 9, 2022, CZ-2D launch vehicle sent the Advanced Space-based Solar Observatory (ASO-S) satellite into the target orbit successfully at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

The launch task was a complete success.

CZ-2D launch vehicle, which is a normal-temperature liquid two-stage launch vehicle developed by Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, has a takeoff thrust of about 300 tons, and a carrying capacity of 1.3 tons in the sun-synchronous circular orbit with a height of 700 km. It has the ability to launch single and multiple satellites with different orbital requirements in Jiuquan, Taiyuan and Xichang satellite launch centers.

The work flow at the launch site was further optimized after summarizing the previous launch mission. After a discussion with the launch site and the satellite system, the work at the launch site was divided into three phases, namely the assembly phase, electrical measurement and interpretation phase, and refueling and launch phase. Restoration of the first and the second stage launch vehicle bodies and the satellite and launch vehicle operation were classified as phase 1. Electrical measurement of the launch vehicle and satellite were classified as phase 2. Gas leak detection, refueling and launch were classified as phase 3. Job resource allocation and risk control measures were distinguished according to the work points in different phases. “Despite the intense work, the coordination team conducted targeted review, recalculation and confirmation through coordination, and ensured the successful implementation of its tasks.”

This launch mission is the 10th mission of CZ-2D this year. Attaching high priority to this task, the model team put forward stricter requirements for the design, production and test in compliance with the work standards of major tasks, and emphasized the one-time success of the work and the quality. The launch task of CZ-2D launch vehicle was carried out simultaneously in three launch centers at home in September. Despite the difficulties in continuous operations and fatigue, the test team members devoted themselves to the new task whole-heartedly. 

The Advanced Space-based Solar Observatory (ASO-S) satellite is developed by the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of CAS. It is mainly used to study the origin, interaction, and correlation of the solar magnetic field, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections, and can also provide support for catastrophic space weather forecasting.

This launch task is the 67^th launch task of CZ-2D launch vehicle, the 171^st flight test of Long March launch vehicles developed by Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, and the 442^nd launch task of Long March launch vehicles.