Long March 1D

CZ-1D

Mission Profile

Long March 1D was a Chinese three-stage launch vehicle and a modernized development of the original Long March 1, featuring an improved solid-fueled third stage for better payload performance. Measuring 28.2 meters in length with a liftoff mass of 81,000 kg and producing 1,040 kN of thrust, it could deliver 720 kg to low Earth orbit. Achieving its first flight in 1995, the Long March 1D served for a limited number of missions before being retired as more capable vehicles entered service, functioning primarily as a transitional step in China's growing suite of orbital launch vehicles. It represented the bridge between China's early space launch heritage and the more modern Long March 2, 3, and 4 series.