China has showcased its latest advancements in aerospace technology at the 2025 Paris Air Show, unveiling models of its next-generation Long March-6A and Long March-12 rockets for the first time on the international stage.
The Long March-6A, China’s first medium-lift rocket equipped with solid strap-on boosters, utilizes non-toxic, eco-friendly propellants. Designed to meet the growing demand for diverse and frequent satellite launches, it represents a significant step forward in sustainable space exploration.
Meanwhile, the Long March-12 is China’s first single-core, liquid-fueled launch vehicle with a 3.8-meter diameter. This rocket significantly enhances capabilities for sun-synchronous orbit insertions and low Earth orbit multi-constellation deployments, bolstering China’s position in the satellite deployment sector.
Visitors to the air show can explore an array of aerospace models at China’s exhibition booth, including the Long March-2D, Long March-3B, and Long March-8 rockets, as well as the DFH-3E all-electric propulsion small communication satellite. Interactive videos and multimedia presentations offer insights into China’s achievements in sounding rockets, communication satellites, remote sensing technology, the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, manned space missions, lunar exploration, and deep space exploration programs.
The China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), participating in the air show, plays a pivotal role in the international development of China’s commercial space industry. As a subsidiary of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), CGWIC provides services including commercial launches, in-orbit delivery of satellite systems, and space technology cooperation.
Since entering the international market in the 1990s, China’s Long March rockets have completed 101 commercial launch missions, deploying 74 international commercial satellites and 261 domestic commercial satellites. Additionally, CGWIC has provided 52 rideshare launch services, sending 29 international payloads and 127 domestic commercial satellites into orbit.
As China’s aerospace capabilities continue to advance, CGWIC is attracting significant global attention, highlighting the nation’s growing influence in space exploration and satellite technology.
