SAST rolls out the largest integrally formed propellant tank bottom of new launch vehicle
03 November 2021
SAST rolled out China's largest integrally formed propellant tank bottom for the new launch vehicle. The 3.8 m diameter tank was built using new spinning technology developed by SAST to meet the requirements of lightweight and rapid manufacturing. The successful closing of the 21 m long tank was a milestone in the development of the new launch vehicle. The tank accounts for over 60 % of a rocket's structural weight.
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Long March launched new group of Yaogan satellites
03 November 2021
China launched a group of remote-sensing satellites from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in Northwest China on 03 November. The 2nd group of the Yaogan 32 satellite family was launched by a Long March 2C rocket with an attached upper stage at 15:43 BJT and entered the planned orbit.
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China's 5th space launch centre gets a new sea launch vessel
31 October 2021
Global Times reported that China's 1st vessel to support satellite launches from the sea is expected to be delivered by 2022, following a recent ceremony to mark the start of the ship's construction in the city of Haiyang, East China's Shandong Province. The New-Type Rocket Launch Vessel will be 162.5 m long, 40-m wide, and it is designed to meet the increasing demand for the launch and recovery of China's existing medium- to large-sized solid-propellant rockets and those under development, as well as small- to medium-sized liquid-propellant ones, the Global Times learned from project insiders on 31 October. The past sea launches were conducted from a modified barge.
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Dongfang Hour News Roundup from 01 November 2021
01 November 2021
In the latest episode of the Dongfang Hour China Space News Roundup, Jean Deville and Blaine Curcio have information on ESA's cooperation with China on the Mars Express - Zhurong communication link as well as on a potential cooperation for the International Lunar Research Station.
The two experts also look at China's space launch record, reflect on Rocket Pi's purchase of JZYJ rocket engines, and give insights into the 2021 China Satellite conference.
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