T-shirt (unisex) - Taiyuan Launch Center

Please refer to the bottom of the page for sizing details & other information.

The Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center (太原卫星发射中心) was an early launch site in China which began operations in the 1960s for military purposes, but which later pivoted to include more civilian uses in 1988. Hosting launches of the Long March 4 series (and also occasionally the Long March 2), it is one of China’s launchpads of choice for putting satellites into Sun-synchronous orbit.

While Taiyuan is one of the three traditional launch sites which launch China’s older generation rockets (Long March 2-4), it is the only one to also host new generation rockets. In 2015, the LC-16 launchpad was constructed, which enabled the launch of the Long March 6. A couple of years later, in 2022, the LC-9A launchpad was inaugurated for the heavier Long March 6A variant, guaranteeing the launch center's longevity for the decades to come. The Long March 6A is the only Chinese rocket combining solid-fueled strap-on boosters and a liquid-fueled core stage.

The Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center is named after the provincial capital of Shanxi (Taiyuan City), situated ~200 km away. It’s located in a dry hilly landscape, ideal for launch. The region of Taiyuan (and Shanxi more generally) are known for hosting some of China’s most ancient wooden buildings still standing such as the Foguang and Jin Temples, as well as the 5th-6th century Yungang grottoes. We have hinted at this historical background in our design.

You may also notice that the rocket plume is a checkered motif, a reference to the omnipresence of this pattern on Chinese rockets and launch-related infrastructure. This checkered design not only serves an aesthetic purpose, but also a technical one: it enables photogrammetry during launch. This enables optical tracking stations on the ground to determine 3-dimensional motion and distances with the help of these patterns.

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Our T-Shirt is 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester, providing a soft and light feel with just the right amount of stretch. The fabric weight is 153 g/m² (4.2 oz/yd²). It's unisex and is comfortable & flattering for kinds of profiles. The double stitching on the neckline and sleeves add more durability to what is sure to be a favorite! Our t-shirts are pre-shrunk and quarter-turned to avoid creases down the center.

Please pay special attention to the size (table below), as at this stage, our return policy does not allow exchanges. For further information, please refer to our return policy and FAQ.