China has launched a Long March 2C that featured actuating grid fins towards the top of the rocket’s first stage much like those on the SpaceX Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy boosters. The rocket carried three military satellites, all of which were deployed successfully.

The Long March 2C sporting its new grid fins was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center at 03:57 UTC on Friday, 26 July. It carried three classified Yaogan 30 military satellites, which were deployed into a low Earth orbit at an altitude of approximately 600 kilometres. Although little is known about the function of the three satellites, Chinese officials have indicated they are designed for “remote sensing missions”.







This is the first time grid fins have been used aboard the Long March 2C, a rocket that has been in service since its maiden flight in 1982. Since then it has flown over 50 missions and suffered just one failure. However, due to the fact that many of the country’s launch facilities are located inland, spent first stages of Long March 2C rockets and many other Long March rockets have posed a threat to nearby populated areas.

In the past, rocket stages were just left to plummet to the ground with evacuation notices issued to communities that may be in its path. However, with the inclusion of grid fins, these spent stages can be guided to remote areas greatly reducing the potential threat to property and person.

Despite releasing a statement following the launch on the purpose of the grid fins, Chinese officials have not stated if they plan to apply the control surfaces to other Long March varients. It is also unclear if these grid fins are the first tests of a push for reusability or merely, as has been stated, a way to direct spent stages away from populated areas.