Orbital launch vehicle. Year: 1994. Family: Long March. Country: China. Status: In production. Other Designations: CZ 3A. Manufacturer's Designation: Chang Zheng-3A.

The Long March 3A was a three-stage launch vehicle. By incorporating the mature technologies of the CZ-3 and adding a more powerful cryogenic third stage and more capable control system, the CZ-3A had a greater geosynchronous transfer orbit capability, greater flexibility for attitude control, and better adaptability to a variety of launch missions.

The CZ-3A's geosynchronous transfer orbit payload capability was 2,700kg. By June 30, 1998, the CZ-3A had made three consecutive successful launches, and was offered to international customers.

Manufacturer: CALT. Launches: 14. Success Rate: 100.00%. First Launch Date: 1994-02-08. Last Launch Date: 2007-05-31. Launch data is: continuing. LEO Payload: 7?00 kg (15?00 lb). to: 200 km Orbit. at: 28.50 degrees. Payload: 2?00 kg (5?00 lb). to a: Geosynchronous transfer trajectory. Apogee: 40?00 km (24?00 mi). Associated Spacecraft: Beidou, DFH-3, FH-1, SJ. Liftoff Thrust: 2?60.000 kN (665?30 lbf). Total Mass: 241?00 kg (531?00 lb). Core Diameter: 3.35 m (10.99 ft). Total Length: 52.50 m (172.20 ft). Launch Price $: 55.000 million. in: 1999 price dollars.

(Source: Encyclopedia Astronautica/Mark Wade)