Long March 2C launched Yaogan 51-07 to 09 from Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China on 5 November 2026 at 15:58 UTC. Outcome: success. Operator: CASC.
On 5 November 2026, a Long March 2C rocket lifted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the People's Republic of China carrying three satellites designated Yaogan 51-07, 51-08, and 51-09. The Yaogan series is widely understood to comprise Chinese military remote sensing satellites, and the mission is classified as government and top secret. Public details on the specific sensors and intended missions of these three spacecraft remain unavailable.
The Long March 2C is a two-stage liquid-propellant launch vehicle, a member of the long-serving Long March family developed and operated by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. The launch took place from Xichang, a inland facility in Sichuan Province that has supported a large share of China's government and military satellite launches.
According to the available launch data, the mission was completed successfully, with all three satellites placed into orbit. Because the payloads are classified, independent confirmation of their orbital parameters and operational status is limited, and official Chinese disclosure of the mission's objectives has been minimal.