![]() Wu said the 2,600-kg re-entry module is expected to return to Earth on Sunday afternoon, some 20 hours after the Long March-7 launch. The rocket's payload includes a scaled-down version of "a reentry module of a multi-function spacecraft," said Wu Ping, a deputy director with China's manned space program. In many senses, the blast-off of the Long March-7 is of key importance to China's space programs, deemed by many a source of surging national pride and a marker of its global stature and technical expertise. "Long March-7's successful maiden flight will greatly lift up China's comprehensive space capacity, and give the country a hefty boost in building itself into a space power," he said. "The more our rockets can lift, the farther we can venture into space," said Ma Zhonghui, chief designer for the rocket. Its 13.5-tonne LEO payload capacity means it can carry 1.5 times as much as the country's current launch vehicles. The Long March-7 is a medium-sized, two-stage rocket that can carry up to 13.5 tonnes to low-Earth orbit (LEO).Įarlier reports said the rocket now uses kerosene and liquid oxygen as fuel, rather than the highly toxic propellant, making it more environmental friendly and less expensive.Įxperts forecast that the 53.1-meter-long, 597-tonne rocket will become the main carrier for China's future space missions. Its mission is to verify the design and performance of the new carrier rocket, to evaluate mission execution capacity of the Wenchang launch site, and to check coordination and compatibility of project-related systems. The launch is the first by the Wenchang site, and the 230th of China's Long March carrier rocket family. The rocket's payload separated from the rocket 603 seconds after blast-off, and entered an oval orbit with a low point, or perigee, of 200 kilometers, and a high point, or apogee, of 394 kilometers. Minutes later, Zhang Youxia, commander-in-chief of China's manned space program, declared the launch a success. Space fans in specially set up viewing areas erupted with applause. In a cloud of white smoke, the rocket ascended against the dark sky, trailing a vast column of flame. WENCHANG, Hainan, June 25 (Xinhua) - China on Saturday successfully blasted off its new generation carrier rocket Long March-7 from Wenchang space launch center in south China's Hainan province. WENCHANG, J(Xinhua) - A Long March-7 carrier rocket lifts off from Wenchang Satellite Launch Center, south China's Hainan Province, June 25, 2016. ![]()
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