China's Space Program Thread II
- Thread starter Blitzo
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by78
General
An illustration of the astroid dust detector and analyzer to be carried by the Tianwen-2 astroid sample return mission.
Tianwen-2's circular solar array. It was specifically developed to have high conversion efficiency in low-sunlight conditions. At a distance of 450 million kilometers from the Sun, the conversion efficiency is around 34%.
Just asking, do you guys have any idea when the old hypogolics rockets will be retired for the new cryogenic long march rockets that are now operational ?
I suppose the old long march hypogolics rockets are soon due for retirement this coming years?
Not for a few more years. Certainly not until the CZ-2F/Shenzhou is retired.
They have been prioritising cost-efficient platforms, so not for another 5 years until the reusable rockets become fully operational.
by78
General
The transporter erector launcher (TEL) for the Zhuque-3 rocket being tested with a simulated load.
Zhuque-3 is on track for maiden flight in the second half of this year. The launch vehicle is of stainless steel construction. It has a body diameter of 4.5 meters, a fairing diameter of 5.2 meters, a total length of 76.6 meters, a takeoff mass of 660 tons, and a LEO carrying capacity of 21.3 tons. The 1st stage is designed to be reused no less than 20 times.
I think this rocket will be crucial for China. It will have so many different uses if successful. Good luck.Zhuque-3 is on track for maiden flight in the second half of this year. The launch vehicle is of stainless steel construction. It has a body diameter of 4.5 meters, a fairing diameter of 5.2 meters, a total length of 76.6 meters, a takeoff mass of 660 tons, and a LEO carrying capacity of 21.3 tons. The 1st stage is designed to be reused no less than 20 times.