China’s aerospace industry has reached a significant milestone with the successful completion of the assembly and test of the new Long March 8A carrier rocket, also known as Chang Qiao Jia, according to official messages from the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT). The rocket was successfully launched at the No. 1 launch site of the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Center on September 4th, marking a series of firsts for the rocket institute.
First Time in Hainan for Total Assembly and Test
This marks the first time that the rocket institute has conducted the total assembly and test of a rocket in the Hainan province’s total assembly and test workshop. This development signifies a further step forward in the rocket institute’s presence in the region.
First Use of Self-developed Equipment
The Long March 8A rocket is also the first time the rocket institute has utilized domestically developed unified ground measurement, control, and launch equipment for its cryogenic rockets. This achievement provides valuable reference for future testing and launch missions of the existing cryogenic rockets.
Key Facilities and Technologies
The No. 1 launch site at the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Center, constructed by the special vehicle company of the rocket institute, is a critical component in the formation of the launch capability of the center. It is an important facility for ensuring the success of major national missions.
The Hainan total assembly and test workshop is equipped with two pulse production lines and three vertical test stations for assembly. By integrating the traditional factory test with part of the launch site test, the process of the launch site has been streamlined, and the efficiency of measurement and launch has been improved.
Improved Three Vertical Measurement and Launch Mode
The assembly and test of this rocket employed an improved three-vertical measurement and launch mode. This involves segmenting the rocket body into three modules: the core first stage booster assembly, the core second stage, and the star cover assembly. These modules are vertically transported from the total assembly and test workshop in Hainan to the launch area, where they are then assembled and launched.
Successful Completion of Assembly and Test
The assembly and test, which began in mid-August, completed the fueling and loading work on September 3rd. On September 4th, the assembled rocket was successfully transferred from the launch area back to the Hainan total assembly and test workshop, marking the successful completion of the assembly and test mission.
Successful Coordination and Matching
The assembly and test mission also verified the coordination and matching between the Long March 8A rocket and the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Center system, including the total assembly and test workshop, the No. 1 launch site, the intelligent launch site system, and the fueling and gas supply system. The joint operation and launch of the 5.2-meter fairing and star rocket also passed the coordination and matching test, achieving the expected results.
First Flight by Year-End
The Long March 8A rocket is expected to make its first flight by the end of the year, marking another significant achievement in China’s space exploration journey.
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