China's Space Program Thread II
- Thread starter Blitzo
- Start date
by78
General
More information on CAS Space/Zhongke's suborbital space tourism efforts:
– Zhongke plans to carry out a verification flight of a prototype Lihong-1 spacecraft this year. The unmanned spacecraft will carry microgravity experiments.
– From 2026 to 2027, carry out a sub-orbital (100km) test flight, verify parachute recovery and reverse thrusters of Lihong-1 prototype. Carry out a 100km-level launch of a prototype Lihong-2 spacecraft.
Lihong-2 specs:
– Length: 20m
– Diameter: 3.35m
– Takeoff weight: 72 tons
– Engine thrust: 4×240 kN
– Thrust adjustment range: 50-100%
– Ignition times: 3
– Payload (experiments only): 3 tons
– Number of passengers: 7
– Reusability: 20 times
An infographic on the Lihong-1 technology verification spacecraft, which is scheduled to fly in August.
Damn..how many times they gonna keep pushing this launch.The first flight of Zhuque-3 has been pushed back slightly, from Q3 to Q4.
Anyway, most important thing is that they succeed. Better a late sucessful launch than an early failef launch. They really need this rocket up and running soon. Might be landspace workhorse rocket this decade.
by78
General
One year anniversary of the mishap. Tianbing has become the butt of jokes in the Chinese space community, receiving regular ribbing from fellow launch startups and observers whenever the topic of safety is broached.
by78
General
Construction progress on CASC's giant satellite manufacturing base in Wenchang.
The construction of Wenchang satellite manufacturing base is in , with the finishing touches being put on the final assembly line.
Is this true? Because this is huge, if true. I haven't seen mention of it in the past 10 pages, but maybe I missed it.
China has just completed what may be the first-ever satellite refueling mission in geostationary orbit—an event that could transform space operations as we know them. In this episode, we break down how satellite SJ-25 successfully transferred 142 kg of hydrazine to SJ-21, extending its lifespan by 8 years. This maneuver was tracked by commercial space monitoring firms and marks a major step forward in orbital logistics and sustainability. With more satellites operating in critical GEO slots, this technology opens the door to longer missions, fewer replacements, and a new future of space servicing. Whether you're a space enthusiast or just curious how this changes global capabilities, this is one breakthrough you don't want to miss!"
Historic First: China Successfully Refuels Satellite at 36,000 KM in Space!
China has just completed what may be the first-ever satellite refueling mission in geostationary orbit—an event that could transform space operations as we know them. In this episode, we break down how satellite SJ-25 successfully transferred 142 kg of hydrazine to SJ-21, extending its lifespan by 8 years. This maneuver was tracked by commercial space monitoring firms and marks a major step forward in orbital logistics and sustainability. With more satellites operating in critical GEO slots, this technology opens the door to longer missions, fewer replacements, and a new future of space servicing. Whether you're a space enthusiast or just curious how this changes global capabilities, this is one breakthrough you don't want to miss!"