More details (in English)http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-11/30/content_10434376.htmCarrier rocket will be a Long March 2D. Interesting that Yaogan launches seem to alternate between the 4C and 2D. It'll also be interesting to see how many objects are catalogued from this launch, IIRC there was only one from the last Yaogan launch on a 2D, leading to speculation that the satellite had failed to separate.
Any news on how many objects are being tracked?
YaoGan-4 launch video
If Yaogan 1/3 represent the military Jianbing-5 radar imaging satellites and Yaogan 2/4 are the military Jianbing-6 optical (what is the source for the satellites being optical reconnaissance?) imaging satellites, then maybe the Jianbing-6 series is a replacement for the Jianbing-3 series, which comprised the three Ziyuan-2 satellites?
What's it shedding from its fairing? Looks like China went for the world record amount of tyvek covers
Quote from: Chris Bergin on 12/02/2008 09:18 pmWhat's it shedding from its fairing? Looks like China went for the world record amount of tyvek covers These are covers of sort; I've seen photos where first all the shroud is patched with the covers, then this wrapped on upper composite is transported from assembly and test building to the launch area with air conditioning provided, and then it's launched still with wraps on.
Quote from: Liss on 12/03/2008 12:18 pmQuote from: Chris Bergin on 12/02/2008 09:18 pmWhat's it shedding from its fairing? Looks like China went for the world record amount of tyvek covers These are covers of sort; I've seen photos where first all the shroud is patched with the covers, then this wrapped on upper composite is transported from assembly and test building to the launch area with air conditioning provided, and then it's launched still with wraps on.Thanks, never seen so many covers liberate like that before!