The Long March 12, developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), is the widest Chinese rocket to date, with a diameter of 3.8 meters. This design allows it to carry 30% more fuel than previous models, which also increases its payload capacity. It can deliver 12 tons to low Earth orbit and more than 6 tons to sun-synchronous orbit.
China’s efforts are part of broader goals, including ensuring a crewed landing on the Moon by 2030 and expanding the country’s “global space presence.”