That 13 t into GTO is pretty impressive. That's 30% more than Ariane 5. That might be enough to send Shenzhou at 7.84 t around the Moon. They also mention an LM-Heavy!"A more powerful launch vehicle LM-heavy is under studying now, together with the new generation launch vehicle, they will remarkably improve the into space capability of China."
http://www.iafastro.net/download/congress/IAC-14/DVD/full/IAC-14/D2/1/manuscripts/IAC-14,D2,1,11,x20929.pdfthe new generation launch vehicles in China
Hydrolox for core and upper stages, kerolox for boosters. Very good choices if you have access to both technologies.
Quote from: Lsquirrel on 10/21/2014 02:05 pmhttp://www.iafastro.net/download/congress/IAC-14/DVD/full/IAC-14/D2/1/manuscripts/IAC-14,D2,1,11,x20929.pdfthe new generation launch vehicles in ChinaLong March 5 images from the PDF:
Is this the first time an umbilical tower has been mounted on the mobile launch platform? That adds considerable weight to the platform; I wonder why the change was made. Possibly the desire to avoid mating umbilicals on the pad? Is the platform moved on rails or road tires?
Quote from: Lars-J on 10/25/2014 12:27 amQuote from: Lsquirrel on 10/21/2014 02:05 pmhttp://www.iafastro.net/download/congress/IAC-14/DVD/full/IAC-14/D2/1/manuscripts/IAC-14,D2,1,11,x20929.pdfthe new generation launch vehicles in ChinaLong March 5 images from the PDF:From the launch tracks image, the LEO appears to be around 38/9 degrees launch azimuth. The Tiangong was launched at a 42.7 inclination orbit, which would be 38.79deg launch azimuth. An ISS orbit (51.6) launch azimuth would be roughly 48.7deg. Such Azimuth would go right through the middle of the Philippine island of Palawan. Thus, we can assume that they are planing the space station on the same orbit of Tiangong. Which is logical since it would allow them to reach it from at least two of their launch sites. But would preclude any sort of use as safe haven for either station.
Quote from: Robotbeat on 10/25/2014 03:56 amHydrolox for core and upper stages, kerolox for boosters. Very good choices if you have access to both technologies.Which of course China has.
China pulls plug on solar observatoryhttp://news.sciencemag.org/asiapacific/2014/10/china-pulls-plug-solar-observatory?rss=1