China's Space Program Thread II

[Asug]

Are the results of the "Lunar Sample International Loan Applications" competition known?

 

[by78]

A few more images from the Shenzhou-18 launch.

 

[by78]

 

[by78]

The private startup Beijing Arrowhead/Space Epoch (箭元科技公司) has successfully conducted a splashdown test of its reusable LOX/Methane XZY-1 rocket. The first stage of the rocket –– encased in stainless steel –– was dropped into sea water to simulate landing impact and was subsequently recovered. After cleaning and inspection, all systems and components (nozzles, engine, fuel tank, servos, etc.) remained in satisfactory condition, and the first stage can be re-used.

Next, the company plans to conduct a splashdown and towed recovery test in the open ocean by mid-2024. If that test is successful, a sub-orbital launch, splashdown, and towed recovery test will follow by the end of 2024.

https://imgur.com/WqV1bIP

Some slides on the XZY-1 launch vehicle from Arrowhead/Space Epoch and the company's future plans.

Specs:
– Payload to LEO: 6.5 tons
– Reusability: 20 times
– Length: 64m
– Fairing diameter: 5.2m
– Stainless body, splashdown recovery

The company aims to have the capacity for 25 XZY-1 launches annually. First-stage splashdown recovery test will be carried out in June of 2024, to be followed by a sub-orbital splashdown recovery in December of 2024. The company aims to achieve full reusability by the end of 2026.

 

[by78]

The improved Long March 8 variant has officially been named Long March 8A, or CZ-8A. Payload to SSO (700km) has been increased from 4 tons to 7 tons.

A Long March 8A on the assembly floor in Tianjin.

 

[by78]

LandSpace is busy preparing for future launches of Zhuque-2. Three more are planned for the rest of 2024, the first of which will come in September.

 

[iantsai]

ChangE-6 AND CZ-5/Y8 were transfered to the launch pad today in Wenchang. It's planned to lift off on May 3th.

 

[Cybertron42]

Does anyone have any picture of mission profile of Change'6?

 

[escobar]

ZQ-3 launch pad and the new landing pad under construction

 

[escobar]

TL-3 launch pad under construction