Long March 5

Long March 5 (LM-5, CZ-5, or Changzheng 5) is a Chinese next-generation heavy lift launch system that is currently under development by China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT). Currently, six CZ-5 vehicle configurations^[1] are planned for different missions, with a maximum payload capacity of 25,000 kg to LEO and 14,000 kg to GTO. The Long March 5 will have the second largest "carrying capacity factor" of any rocket after Boeing's Delta IV Heavy.^[2] The CZ-5 rocket is due to be first launched in 2014 from Wenchang Satellite Launch Center on Hainan island.

Development

The Chief Designer for the CZ-5 rocket was Long Lehao. The main objective for the CZ-5 rocket was to fulfill China's requirement for large payload to LEO and GTO missions for the next 20–30 years. The CZ-5 project was initially announced in February 2001, with initial development slated to begin in 2002 and the first versions of the vehicle to go into service by 2008. However, funding was only finally granted in 2007 as revealed by the developers during the Northeast China exhibition.

On October 30, 2007, construction for the CZ-5 production plant began near the Binhai New Area in Tianjin city. Building a completely new production facility that is close to the harbor will solve logistical problems associated with over-land transport of the large-sized rocket to launching centers. Instead, the rockets will be transported by sea from Tianjin to a new launch facility at Wenchang on Hainan Island. The new production facility would have an area totaling more than half a million square meters at the cost of RMB 4500 million (USD 650 million), with the first stage of the construction scheduled to be completed by 2009. The maiden launch of the CZ-5 rocket is not expected until 2014 because the launch facility will not be completed until 2012.^[3] When the production facility is completed in 2012, it would be capable of a maximum output of thirty CZ-5s annually. As of July 2008^[update], development of the 1,200 kN thrust LOX/kerosene engines has already been completed.

Design

The chief designer of CZ-5 is Mr. Li Dong of the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) . The CZ-5 family will include three primary modular core stages of 5.2-m diameter (maximum). The total length is 60.5 meters and the weight at launch is 643 tons, with a thrust of 833.8 tons. Boosters of various capabilities with diameters ranging from 2.25 meters and 3.35 meters would be assembled from three modular core stages and strap-on stages. There would be a choice of engines with different liquid rocket propellants: 1,200 kN thrust LOX/kerosene engines or 500 kN thrust LOX/LH2 engines on first stage and boosters. The upper stage would use improved version of YF-75 engines.

Engine development began in 2000–2001, with testing directed by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) commencing in 2005. Versions of both new engines: YF-100 and YF-77 had been successfully tested by mid-2007.

The CZ-5 series will deliver 1.5 tonnes to 25 tonnes payload to LEO, or 1.5 tonnes to 14 tonnes payload to GTO (geosynchronous transfer orbit). This would replace the CZ-2, CZ-3, and CZ-4 series in service, as well as providing new capabilities not possessed by current Long March rocket family. The heaviest configuration of the CZ-5 would consist of a 5.0-m diameter core stage and four 3.35-m diameter strap-on boosters, which would be able to send a 25 tonnes payload to low earth orbit (LEO).

Specifications

Comparable Rockets

• Delta IV Heavy
• Atlas V Heavy
• Ariane 5
• Angara A5
• Proton
• Falcon 9 Heavy

See also

• Comparison of heavy lift launch systems

External links

• The New Generation of Launch Vehicles

References