Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center LA-16

LC-16

Mission Profile

Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center's Launch Area 16 (LC-16) in Shanxi Province, China is a modern launch facility supporting the Long March 6 liquid-propellant rocket and the Kuaizhou-1A solid-propellant commercial launch vehicle. First used in September 2015 for the Long March 6's debut flight, LC-16 is equipped for both liquid and solid propellant vehicles at the same launch zone, an unusual dual-capability reflecting China's rapidly diversifying launch vehicle portfolio. The facility serves China's growing small satellite constellation market, with the Kuaizhou-1A conducting multiple launches per year for commercial satellite customers. Taiyuan's high northern latitude (37.5° N) makes it well suited for sun-synchronous orbits used by Earth observation and meteorological satellites.