China's Space Program Thread II

[by78]

Haiyang Oriental Spaceport will build a new permanent launchpad for liquid rockets on Lianli island (连理岛), an artificial island constructed just offshore of Haiyang. The image below shows a bidding announcement for the launchpad project.

Speaking of additional launchpads, Haiyang Oriental Spaceport has converted an offshore drilling platform into a launchpad for reusable rockets up to 72m long and 3.8m in diameter. The platform will also be made available to test reusable rockets that are currently under development by various private launch providers.

 

[by78]

A stitched panoramic image taken in September by the Yutou-2 lunar rover, when it had just traveled over one mile (1613 meters) on the lunar surface.

Two images taken in March by the Yutou-2 lunar rover. It has travelled a total of 1640 meters.

 

[by78]

A collage of various VTVL test vehicles from Chinese launch providers.

 

[mcasey]

For those interested, I recently wrote about China's growing multi-phenomenology satellite clusters, used for autonomous tipping-and-cueing for maritime domain awareness.

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[escobar]

Seems like the target for Shijian-25 orbital servicing mission is

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, the satellite launched in 2021 that caused quite a commotion. This will probably be in the 2025 CMPR.

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is at 149 deg east, 35,468 x 36,111 km, 10.21 deg inclination

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is at 120 deg east, 35,546 x 36,088 km, 10.21 deg inclination, drifting east at about quarter of degree per day, orbit is coplanar
View attachment 143373
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Servicing mission may be underway. Joint Commercial Operations Cell report SJ-21 raised its average altitude to initiate a westward drift of 4 deg/day. At the time of the maneuver SJ-21 was at 133E and SJ-25 holding steady at 120E. If both satellites maintains current orbits they will be in proximity in the next 72hrs. Last time SJ-21 maneuvered, was in July 2023

 

[by78]

Additional footage and images from ArrowHead's successful VTVL test.

Inspections on the VTVL test vehicle found that it was in great working condition, with the fuselage, engine, tanks, and onboard electrical systems all functional as expected. The rocket was cleaned off and is now ready to be used again.

 

[by78]

SAR images of the LandSpace launch complex at Jiuquan.

 

[by78]

If I'm reading this

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correctly, Ziyang Commercial Space Launch Technology Research Institute (资阳商业航天发射技术研究院) is nearing completion on a prototype electromagnetic space launcher, which it plans to commence testing soon. I haven't been able to find much about the institute, whether it's affiliated with any government agency or a private endeavor. However, I do recall that Galactic Energy was exploring electromagnetic launching technology with unnamed partners. I wonder if this institute has to do with that effort.

The prototype electromagnetic space launcher has been completed. A test launch of a model rocket (1.4m in diameter) was successfully carried out on April 15th.

 

[sangye]

That hosing picture took me out I would've thought they cleaned them with a bit more care

 

[taxiya]

That hosing picture took me out I would've thought they cleaned them with a bit more care

If the structure is that sensitive then it is not qualified for a rocket or being reusable. Just think of your car wash.