China's Space Program Thread II

[sunnymaxi]

A "super factory" for the manufacturing of the Lijian-2, a large liquid-propellant carrier rocket, was fully completed in Shaoxing.

The facility, which integrates final assembly testing and the processing of core components, covers production areas for key parts such as rocket tanks, pipeline valves, interstage sections and conduits. Once it is fully operational, the factory will have an annual production capacity of 12 Lijian-2 rockets.

Looking ahead, the Lijian-2 is expected to serve mass constellation network deployment for low-orbit communications and medium-to-high orbit satellite launches.

 

[Michael90]

f 12 Lijian-2 rockets.

Is that not too low for such a smart super factory? And they expect to reach close this potential only in 3 to 5 years?

 

[huemens]

Is that not too low for such a smart super factory? And they expect to reach close this potential only in 3 to 5 years?

If they are talking about just the first stage, that's not a low number for a reusable rocket. For example, SpaceX makes around only 6 to 8 new first stages per year for F9.

 

[taxiya]

Is that not too low for such a smart super factory? And they expect to reach close this potential only in 3 to 5 years?

If they are talking about just the first stage, that's not a low number for a reusable rocket. For example, SpaceX makes around only 6 to 8 new first stages per year for F9.

The question was about Lijian-2 which is assembled horizontally.

 

[taxiya]

Does the Chinese building for housing the rocket have a name too?

No, not in the tender document. It is only called 1st phase building.

 

[Michael90]

If they are talking about just the first stage, that's not a low number for a reusable rocket. For example, SpaceX makes around only 6 to 8 new first stages per year for F9.

Is this a reusable rocket? I thought lijiang-2 was expendable?

 

[siegecrossbow]

No, not in the tender document. It is only called 1st phase building.

In that case I humbly suggest the nickname “CHAD” for obvious reasons…

 

[Tomboy]

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According to the CCTV clip attached, Tiangong is going to be further expanded to 6 permanently attached segments from the current 3. New core module will be larger than Tianhe and provide additional docking ports for two new experiment modules and one additional airlock. I suppose this will also bring the total crew capacity to 6 once completed.

It is unknown when exactly this is going to be completed by but from what is seemingly suggested, possibly as soon as this 5YP.

 

[huemens]

Is this a reusable rocket? I thought lijiang-2 was expendable?

Yes reusable, but not the first few launches. Their target is to attempt re-usability next year. It also has a unique recovery configuration. The core and side boosters of the first stage land back as a single unit without separating from each other.

 

[taxiya]

Yes reusable, but not the first few launches. Their target is to attempt re-usability next year. It also has a unique recovery configuration. The core and side boosters of the first stage land back as a single unit without separating from each other.

That is the proposed CZ-8R's method. Haven't heard CZ-8R for a long time, I guess CASC decided to pursue reusability in CZ-10B and CZ-8R is cancelled, the telants moved over to CAS.