China's Space Program Thread II

[by78]

Timeline for the Tianwen-3 mars sample return mission has been shifted to the right. It's now expected to be launched around 2030.

Another slide on Mars exploration missions into the 2050s.

 

[by78]

High-resolution images from the latest Long March 5 launch, which successfully inserted Communication Technology Test Satellite No. 11 (通信技术试验卫星十一号) into orbit. The satellite will be used to verify multi-band high-speed communication technology. This launch marks the 509th flight of the Long March series.

 

[Kejora]

New Spacecraft is named Mengzhou (Dream Vessel) and the Lunar Lander is named Lanyue (Embracing The Moon).

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1761222735571943732

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1761242937772699821

 

[gpt]

2030 (or sooner)

 

[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

The Chairman of Space Epoch/Arrowhead has revealed that the company's launch vehicle assembly and integration plant will be located in Wenchang, Hainan.

 

[by78]

Some presentation slides from the private launch provider Galactic Energy.

Pallas-1A has finished assembly, first launch is expected later this year:
– Diameter: 3.35m
– Mass at take-off: 283 tons
– Capacity to LEO: 8 tons, 10 tons with optional second stage.
– Reusable first stage powered by seven engines, launch can proceed with one engine out.

Pallas-1B:
– Mass at take-off: 730 tons
– Capacity (LEO): 17.5 tons

Another interesting tidbit, which is not seen in the slides but apparently mentioned by the presenter: Galactic Energy and partners are exploring launch (assist) methods such as electromagnetic launching and pneumatic launching using supercritical carbon dioxide.

Mr. Liu Baiqi (刘百奇), chairman of Galactic Energy, has revealed that Pallas-1's maiden flight is scheduled to take place toward the end of this year. He also said the company plans 10-12 launches for its Ceres-1 launch vehicle this year.

Meanwhile, the company has just completed a successful simulation run of Pallas-1's guidance and control system, which verified the performance of its flight computer and various servos mechanisms. The image below shows the apparatus for simulating dynamic loads experienced by the rocket during flight.

 

[by78]

Some illustrations from a

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on the optimal (emergency) landing method for the return capsule of the next-generation manned spacecraft. The detail of note is that the return capsule has six cylindrical airbags for soft landing.

Testing the landing airbags for the return capsule of the next-generation manned spacecraft.

 

[by78]

Three more high-resolution images from yesterday's Long March 5 launch.

 

[by78]

A tally of the lengths of stay in space by various taikonauts. The various colors represent different Shenzhou missions.

 

[by78]

Old literature on a two-stage-to-orbit spaceplane concept. The first stage carrier plane is powered by six turbine-based combined cycle (TBCC) engines.