15 August 2016, 17:40 UTC

QUESS (Micius)

Long March 2DJiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China

Drawing of the Long March 2D for QUESS (Micius)

Launched QUESS, nicknamed Micius, the world's first quantum communications satellite, to test quantum key distribution and entanglement over satellite-to-ground links from a roughly 500km sun-synchronous orbit.

Outcome: Success
Orbit: SSO; Sun-synchronous orbit
Payload to orbit: 767 kg
Flight: 29th; of 101 Long March 2D flights

Date and time: 15 August 2016, 17:40 UTC
Rocket: Long March 2D
Builder: CASC
Launch site: Launch Area 94 (SLS-2 / 603), Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China
Payload: Communications
International designator: 2016-051
Launches in 2016: 51st of 85

See it in orbit

Space Atlas shows the satellites and rocket stages from this launch in 3D.

View satellites in Space Atlas