LM-3A is a three-stage launch vehicle. It has inherited the mature technology of LM-3. It uses an improved third stage of liquid hydrogen and liquid   oxygen cryogenic propellants. LM-3A is 52.52-meter long and has a maximum diameter of 3.35 meters and a launch mass of 240 tons. It is  mainly used to put payload into geosynchronous transfer orbit, low earth orbit, polar orbit and escape orbit. Its launch capability for GTO mission is 2.6 tons. Since its successful maiden flight on February 8, 1994, it has a 100% success rate. It was awarded the title of Golden Brand Launch Vehicle by CASC in July 2007.