The Long March 8 carrier rocket is scheduled to make its maiden flight at the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site in June 2024The Long March 8 carrier rocket is scheduled to make its maiden flight at Station 1 of Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site, the first commercial space launch site in China, in June 2024! This is also the first mission of the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site.According to Shou Junming, deputy chief engineer of Hainan International Commercial Space Launch Co., Ltd. and head of the launch business department, the Long March 8 has made some performance improvements on the basis of the basic rocket, such as changing the secondary rocket from a 3-meter-diameter hydrogen-oxygen module to a new one. It has a diameter of 3.35 meters, and the engine has changed from the previous 7.5-ton "Yefa 75" to the 10-ton thrust "Yefa-77", which has increased its carrying capacity to 6.8 tons in a 900-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit, meeting the needs of the first flight mission. .Compared with the Long March 8, the CZ-8G is also a two-and-a-half-stage rocket: the core stage is a liquid oxygen kerosene propellant module with a diameter of 3.35m, and two YF-100 engines are used. The engines have thrust adjustment capabilities, which are basically the same as the CZ-8. The second stage of the core is a newly developed 3.35m diameter hydrogen-oxygen final stage, using 2 YF-75H engines; bundled with 2 2.25m diameter liquid boosters, using 1 YF-100 engine, which is basically the same as the CZ-8 It adopts a 5.2m diameter integral hanging fairing, the takeoff thrust is about 480t, the takeoff thrust-to-weight ratio is 1.29, and the carrying capacity of the 700kmSSO mission is not less than 6400kg.
The first rocket to be launched in June next year - CZ-8: Both sides discuss the joint training planThe No. 1 launch station of the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site was specially built for the CZ-8 rocket. The overall progress of the station has been completed by more than 90%, and it is just waiting for the CZ-8 rocket "Magic Arrow" to return!On the morning of December 2, the CZ-8 rocket research and development team - the First Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the First Academy), Chief Commander Xiao Yun, Deputy Chief Commander Wang Jingchao, Deputy Chief Engineer Wu Yitian and their 13-member team , went to Hainan International Commercial Space Launch Co., Ltd. to discuss CZ-8 rocket joint training, launch and other related matters, and listed a timetable: the first-class joint training rocket will enter the field in March next year, and the second-class joint training rocket will enter the field in May, and then Complete two joint training sessions to ensure a foolproof start.Hainan Commercial Development Party Committee Secretary and Chairman Yang Tianliang, Party Committee Deputy Secretary and Director Guo Qiang, Party Committee Members and Deputy General Managers Liu Hongjian and Guo Li attended the discussion.At the meeting, Hainan Commercial Development and the First Academy of Aerospace Science respectively reported on the construction progress of CZ-8 rocket-related projects and the implementation of the requirements of the previous coordination meeting, as well as the demonstration and risk identification of the CZ-8 rocket joint training plan. The two sides discussed the time points for the arrival of two joint training arrows in the first half of next year and the installation and commissioning of the CZ-8 rocket assembly plant, and finally sorted out six to-do items.Xiao Yun said that based on the needs of both parties, the First Aerospace Academy fully considered the effectiveness, pertinence, and economy of the joint training, and planned the full-state test of the rocket system and launch site system with high standards, careful thinking, and strict requirements, as well as the personnel organization A joint training plan to conduct coordination assessment on the model and command and dispatch relationship. He hoped that minutes would be drawn up after the meeting, and both parties would implement the plan as soon as possible in accordance with the key points of the minutes to ensure the successful launch of the CZ-8 rocket under the conditions of a new launch site, a new launch team and a new product model.Yang Tianliang affirmed the comprehensive and thoughtful joint training plan and thanked the First Aerospace Academy for its extensive work in the early stage. He pointed out that next, both parties should strengthen communication, integrate into each other's work, proactively identify problems, and provide timely feedback on needs; in terms of Hainan Commercial Development, the overall technology department and launch division should study and plan detailed work in advance, from the rocket transportation process to unloading. All methods must be written into the plan in detail, and the "meticulous, refined, and extreme" business style will be used to ensure that the CZ-8 rocket is foolproof for the first launch.It is reported that the CZ-8 rocket is a launch vehicle with high cost performance and excellent safety performance. It is aimed at the commercial launch market. It has become one of the main forces of China’s commercial rockets and can provide more internationally competitive commercial satellite launch services. .
Is this the (delayed) Queqiao-2 launch? Afaik it was supposed to be launched on a CZ-8, and it was the next in line with a launch planned for March.
Quote from: Fmedici on 12/03/2023 08:05 amIs this the (delayed) Queqiao-2 launch? Afaik it was supposed to be launched on a CZ-8, and it was the next in line with a launch planned for March.Well I have read the article now and nowhere does it says anything about it being the next CZ-8 launch. This article is from the operator of the new Wenchang Commercial Launch Site and it states that the plan is to have a CZ-8 ground test vehicle on site early next year for pad check-outs (1st stage by March 2024 and 2nd stage by May 2024) ahead of the first CZ-8 launch there in June.Nowhere does the "Y3" serial no. appear anywhere in the article, so I take it as that it has nothing to do with Queqiao-2 (in particular Chang'e 6 is supposed to launch in May 2024, there's no way its lunar far side relay sat would be launched after it).
Nowhere does the "Y3" serial no. appear anywhere in the article, so I take it as that it has nothing to do with Queqiao-2 (in particular Chang'e 6 is supposed to launch in May 2024, there's no way its lunar far side relay sat would be launched after it).
Side notes on the test mission of the Long March 8 improved rocket and universal hydrogen-oxygen final stage power system test teamRecently, the 3.35-meter-diameter universal hydrogen-oxygen final stage arrived in Yungang, west Beijing. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation's Long March 8 improved rocket and universal hydrogen-oxygen final stage power system test team worked closely with the 101st Institute of the Sixth Academy. Preparations for the power system test run began in full swing.The test preparation work is large and the cycle is tight, making it almost impossible to complete according to conventional procedures. The test team insisted on "keeping the back wall from falling" and tried their best to complete the test run of the product's power system on time. "Challenge ourselves and make the seemingly impossible possible, just to fulfill our original promises." said Song Zhengyu, chief designer of the Long March 8 improved rocket."The weather is too cold, which makes field testing more difficult," said Xianyang, the planner and scheduler. A strong cold wave followed after the snow, and the extreme weather with strong winds and cooling added another challenge to the team members.There is no shelter around the empty outdoor test bench, and the cold wind blows in unchecked and penetrates directly into people's clothes. On the tower in the middle of the test bench on the first floor, five or six test team members are busy. Some are standing on ladders to install equipment, some are holding ladders to observe the status of the products, and some are holding notebooks to record data. Their concentration made them forget the cold, but the white breath exhaled from their mouths was clearly visible."When it's the coldest, the body temperature is about minus 20 degrees Celsius. You don't have to exert any effort when walking. The wind can blow people forward. Some delicate work is inconvenient to wear gloves, so everyone can only do it with bare hands. If you can't stand the cold, use warm water. You can use simple methods such as bags and ginger soup to keep warm." Dispatcher Guan Chong said that the handles of the ladders in the test bench are all wrapped with a layer of black plastic foam with tape. On the one hand, it is to prevent the ladder from scratching the product, and on the other hand, it is also to prevent the ladder from scratching the product. It was too cold for the team members to hold on to, and their hands were frozen.Deputy Commander-in-Chief Wang Jingchao introduced that this test run was the largest test in the development process of the Long March 8 improved rocket. The entire system including the power system, electrical system, structural system, and ground system participated in the test run. The successful test was the first to test subsequent models of products. The flight and the entire development work are of great significance.Sitting in the center of the measurement and control center is the conductor 01 of this power system test. He stares closely at the data on the screen and computer, and issues instructions to the front from time to time. "He has been here to test the product since it was delivered to the test bench. This state has lasted for more than ten days, and he is 'nailed' to this chair every day." said a colleague on the side.Most of the team members on site are like this. During the day, they carry out technical briefings, product status confirmation, sub-system testing, etc.; in the evening, they hold meetings to discuss the work process for the next day, and implement document operations to positions and people. "Every night everyone was busy until after 10 o'clock. One day, we worked hard until 4 o'clock in the morning to connect the air channels of Jiandi." Shang Xianyang said, "This time the product development schedule is very tight, and the newly developed products themselves are relatively difficult. There are many problems that need to be dealt with temporarily at the power system test site. We have to deal with them at any time and get the progress back on the same day."At the tense test site, a test team member was immersed in recording, his fingers turned red from the cold. "Now the operators are removing the engine interface protective cover, and we have to record its status in detail every time. The surfaces of these interfaces are sealing surfaces, and large nozzles are installed behind them, so they must be carefully inspected to ensure that the sealing surfaces are not damaged. "Technical staff Ren Limin introduced, "This test has a significant feature - 'new', the product is new, the state is new, even the ground equipment of the test bed is new, we need to deal with more new problems, and we need everyone to Concentrate and do your best every step of the way.”The 3.35-meter-diameter general-purpose hydrogen-oxygen final stage needs to be assembled in Tianjin before the test run, which usually takes 2 months. However, the team members did not relax and completed the assembly work at "super speed" in only 25 days. Behind the efficient completion is the all-round guarantee of the test team, the days of hard work of the team members, and the strong collaboration of relevant units.Planning and dispatching Gu Hailu introduced that the team planned in advance and detailed the work plan for every day and every hour. The deputy chief engineer, system-related designers, and dispatchers all lived in Tianjin to provide comprehensive on-site protection, and established a rapid response mechanism to ensure Problems can be solved as soon as possible.In order to make progress, the general assembly personnel gave up their holiday breaks and worked until after 12 o'clock in the evening every day. Relevant units "took advantage of every opportunity" during the final assembly process and carried out work such as pasting the insulation layer in parallel.After completing the final assembly, the test team faced a new test - how to ensure that the product is shipped on time. "The weather forecast at that time showed that there would be the first snowfall in the evening, and there would be continued heavy snowfall in the next few days. If the product cannot be transported to the test site on time, the test time will be postponed by at least one week."Aiming at the goal of "on-time shipment", the test team rushed to the highway intersection that night and conducted multi-party coordination with the local government and relevant transportation departments. The final product was shipped on time and arrived at the test site smoothly according to the route carefully planned by the team in advance."We all work together and are not afraid of hard work, just to usher in our final success." As Wang Jingchao said, the biting cold wind cannot extinguish the passion in the hearts of the test team members, and the numerous difficulties cannot stop them. With the pace of progress and the tasks that must be completed, they seize the day, face the difficulties, and go all out to fulfill the promises in their hearts.
Chen Mingbo went to Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site to inspect and guide the preparations for the launch missions of the Long March 12 and Long March 8 Yao 5 carrier rocketsOn the afternoon of August 23, Chen Mingbo, Party Secretary and Chairman of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, inspected the preparations for the first flight mission of the Long March 12 carrier rocket and the Long March 8 Yao 5 carrier rocket at the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site. Chen Mingbo inspected the assembly and testing of the two rockets at the rocket assembly plant and listened to the special report on the success of the first flight mission of the Long March 12 carrier rocket made by the Eighth Academy.Chen Mingbo emphasized that it is necessary to thoroughly study and implement the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and take the development of commercial rockets as an important measure for the group company to further deepen reform and develop new quality productivity.He pointed out that the first flight mission of the Long March 12 rocket and the Long March 8 Yao 5 rocket at the newly built Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site has important symbolic significance for the development of the group company's commercial space. The mission is glorious and the responsibility is heavy. It is necessary to upgrade the management according to the standards of major engineering tasks. The group company has established a temporary party committee for the launch mission, and the group company leader serves as the party committee secretary, which is to strengthen the organization and leadership of this mission and ensure the smooth implementation of the mission.For the follow-up work, Chen Mingbo put forward four specific requirements: First, strengthen communication and coordination. In view of the fact that there are many participating units and complex interfaces in this mission, the group company should not only strengthen internal information sharing and communication, but also take a step forward to actively communicate and solve problems. Second, strictly control the quality of the process, ensure that the quality problems that arise are completely zeroed out, and the progress is subject to quality; continue to strengthen risk analysis and control work, and resolutely avoid low-level problems; pay special attention to the interpretation of test data, and do not let go of any doubts. Third, seek truth from facts. The two missions of the Chang XII rocket and the Chang Eight Yao Five rocket are currently being carried out in parallel, and the first flight plan should be arranged in a coordinated manner. Fourth, strictly adhere to the bottom line of safety, further strengthen on-site organization and management, focus on risk identification and control of key links such as hoisting, transportation, and refueling, continue to carry out special safety inspections and plan simulations, and focus on the closed-loop confirmation of various safety work.Relevant departments of the group company headquarters, relevant leaders of the First and Eighth Institutes, and the "two generals" of the model participated in the inspection and guidance.
陈鸣波赴海南商业航天发射场检查指导长征十二号和长征八号遥五运载火箭发射任务准备情况QuoteChen Mingbo went to Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site to inspect and guide the preparations for the launch missions of the Long March 12 and Long March 8 Yao 5 carrier rocketsOn the afternoon of August 23, Chen Mingbo, Party Secretary and Chairman of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, inspected the preparations for the first flight mission of the Long March 12 carrier rocket and the Long March 8 Yao 5 carrier rocket at the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site. Chen Mingbo inspected the assembly and testing of the two rockets at the rocket assembly plant and listened to the special report on the success of the first flight mission of the Long March 12 carrier rocket made by the Eighth Academy.Chen Mingbo emphasized that it is necessary to thoroughly study and implement the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and take the development of commercial rockets as an important measure for the group company to further deepen reform and develop new quality productivity.He pointed out that the first flight mission of the Long March 12 rocket and the Long March 8 Yao 5 rocket at the newly built Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site has important symbolic significance for the development of the group company's commercial space. The mission is glorious and the responsibility is heavy. It is necessary to upgrade the management according to the standards of major engineering tasks. The group company has established a temporary party committee for the launch mission, and the group company leader serves as the party committee secretary, which is to strengthen the organization and leadership of this mission and ensure the smooth implementation of the mission.For the follow-up work, Chen Mingbo put forward four specific requirements: First, strengthen communication and coordination. In view of the fact that there are many participating units and complex interfaces in this mission, the group company should not only strengthen internal information sharing and communication, but also take a step forward to actively communicate and solve problems. Second, strictly control the quality of the process, ensure that the quality problems that arise are completely zeroed out, and the progress is subject to quality; continue to strengthen risk analysis and control work, and resolutely avoid low-level problems; pay special attention to the interpretation of test data, and do not let go of any doubts. Third, seek truth from facts. The two missions of the Chang XII rocket and the Chang Eight Yao Five rocket are currently being carried out in parallel, and the first flight plan should be arranged in a coordinated manner. Fourth, strictly adhere to the bottom line of safety, further strengthen on-site organization and management, focus on risk identification and control of key links such as hoisting, transportation, and refueling, continue to carry out special safety inspections and plan simulations, and focus on the closed-loop confirmation of various safety work.Relevant departments of the group company headquarters, relevant leaders of the First and Eighth Institutes, and the "two generals" of the model participated in the inspection and guidance.Hainan CLS #1 is for al CZ-8 series, first is CZ-8 Y5 not CZ-8A Y1 from this article.
Long March 8 rocket launch teamDuring the National Day, the Long March 8 rocket launch team members stayed at their posts at the Hainan International Commercial Space Launch Site as planned, and went all out to do all the work with a proactive sense of responsibility and enthusiastic working state, and practiced the responsibility and commitment of aerospace personnel with practical actions.After many storms, our will is stronger, and the road ahead is still long. We will continue to vigorously promote the spirit of aerospace, uphold the belief of steadfastness, build a solid foundation of faith, unite our hearts and minds, and move forward courageously to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China with practical actions. In the follow-up work, we will continue to work hard with a high-spirited mental state, a solid and enterprising work style, and a fighting spirit of seizing the day, to ensure the complete success of the launch mission, continue to write a glorious chapter for the country's aerospace industry, and work hard on the road of chasing light and dreams, and confess the motherland with success.
