Aerospace technology development continues to accelerate with the announcement of a new generation of Long March rockets. During the 15th China Air Show, an impressive lineup of launch vehicles was unveiled, with the highlight being the Long March 9, a high-capacity reusable rocket that plans to take to the skies around 2030.
The Long March 9 rocket
Among the models presented, the Long March 6C and the Long March 8A stand out for their versatility and efficiency. The 6C, with a simplified two-stage configuration, offers a payload capacity of 2.4 tons in helium-synchronous orbits and is suitable for commercial missions with fairings of up to 4.2 meters. This design prioritizes agile production and technological adaptability , reducing development cycles by up to 30%.
On the other hand, the Long March 8A, still in the development phase, is projected as a pillar of missions in low and medium orbits. With a payload capacity of 7 tons in helium-synchronous orbits, its inaugural launch is scheduled for January 2025.
The fully reusable two-stage configuration of the Long March 9. This heavy-duty vehicle, with a payload capacity of 100 tons in low orbits, will be used in space exploration missions and in the construction of strategic infrastructure. According to Chen Ziyu, the chief aerospace engineer, this design aims to reduce the costs of access to space and optimize transportation efficiency in the aerospace sector.
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Source and photos: China Daily