China's Space Program News Thread
- Thread starter crazyinsane105
- Start date
- Status
wasn't there a construction of new launch pad? Either in Jiuquan or in Taiyuan, I don't remember.
The finale design is based on LOX/Methane engine, so it will need new launch pad. But I don't know if the test is a prototype using the final engine or a tech demo using a modified LM 234.
Quickie
Colonel
What I meant is the rocket stage returning back to earth and landing on a landing pad (like Falcon-9 first stage landing), after separation from the carrier spacecraft.
The picture you referred to seems to be showing the rocket stage parachuting back to earth.
In the planned approach of this test, there are two stages. The first stage is a winged rocket. The second stage is piggy backed on the first stage, also winged and powered by rocket engine. The combo will launch vertically and separate some time later just like traditional launchers. The first stage will then fly back to the launch site, the second stage will enter orbit and deliver the payload then return to the earth.
What you referred to (bold texts above) is the second stage, it is winged and recoverable and reusable by design too. However in your post you said "The first stage rocket can be made recoverable to save cost.", therefor my answer.
Regarding the second stage, some people suspect that it (reentry and landing) has been tested not long ago, remember the space-plane landing few months ago? This second stage can also be used for the Tengyun program I guess.
This is the picture that I referred to
Both stages are said "reusable 1/2 stage horizontal landing", not parachuting. It is also said in the paper where I got the picture.
升力式火箭动力重复使用运载器一级兼具航空器
和航天器技术特点，采用升力式构型，火箭发动机，垂
直起飞水平着陆，能够通过自动进场着陆方式实现精
确着陆与完全重复使用。
Here is the full roadmap. The green circled is when the 2nd stage being reusable and may have been tested. The red circle is the test just happened.
Last edited:
Quickie
Colonel
By "rocket stage", I meant the "rocket first stage" responsible for boosting up the carrier spacecraft on its way to orbit.
I think what China has tested is the 1st Step in the picture you posted. In the picture, it's actually showing the rocket stage (which is the first stage of the whole launcher setup) seemingly landing on a landing pad complete with landing legs. What I was saying is basically that. ( i.e. the returning and landing of the Rocket Stage, as opposed to the rocket stage just crashing back to earth. )
By the looks of things, the landing of the rocket stage hasn't been done yet since a normal Long March rocket was reported to be likely used in the launch of the spacecraft carrier.
by78
General
Two more images of the giant deep-space communications dish in Tianjin. The dish measures 70 meters in diameter and is being used by the Tianwen-1 mission.
Rocket scientist Rong Yi gets the rock star treatment.
Ms. Rong Yi (by the way, her name is ironically also equivalent to "Easy" in Chinese) should be duly honored as a rocket scientist who has done her country proud. these scientists should be rightfully rewarded and remunerated for their efforts and contributions. they should be also honored publicly by the Head of State. By this means, more talents would be attracted into the Nation building efforts.
Contrary to our hard working scientists, some famous rock stars, singers, actors and actresses in China are making obscene amount of money, one famous singer reportedly made 2.6 billion RMB in the past 4 years alone. this is ridiculous and not healthy at all for China, and this gross distortion of social values should be stymied, otherwise it may cause negative impact on the aspirations of the youth.
If only would they pay them rock star money as well. The truth is even 2nd rate pretty boys with awful acting skills can earn way more than scientists/aerospace engineers in China. Societal approval can only carry one’s career so far.
- Status