Author Topic: China launchers Q&A  (Read 129238 times)

Offline Stan Black

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3135
  • Liked: 377
  • Likes Given: 228
Re: China launchers Q&A
« Reply #60 on: 10/19/2017 06:59 pm »
Need help with regards to reading the thread in the sticky https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=30673.0

There is a list of orbital launches there. Figured out most of the fields (please correct me if wrong) except the two fields coloured red. What does those two fields represent? I guess the second one is the launch timing, but what is the format...can't figure it out.

<sequence> <(99-99)> - <launch vehicle> <(factory serial no.)> - <launch date> <(9999:99.999)> - <launch site>, <launch pad> - <payload>

Btw, the (factory serial no.) is something i just made up. Another thread describe this as a factory number/serial number. What would be the correct descriptor for this number?

.
.
2015

205 (07-63) - CZ-3C/YZ-1 (Y11/Y1) - March 30 (1352:30.598) - XSLC, LC2 - Beidou-3 I1 (BDS I1-S)
206 (05-46) - CZ-4C (Y30) - June 26 (0622:043.731) - TSLC, LC9 - GF-8
207 (07-64) - CZ-3B/YZ-1 (Y26/Y2) - July 25 (1229:04.411) - XSLC, LC2 - Beidou-3 M1-S (Beidou-18); Beidou-3 M2-S (Beidou-19)
208 (07-66) - CZ-3B/G2 (Y32) - September 12 (1542:04.418) - XSLC, LC2 - Tongxin Jishu Shiyan Weixing-1
209 - CZ-2D (Y21) - September 14 (0442) - JSLC, LC43/603 - Gaofen-9



http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=36645.msg1320775#msg1320775

Offline russianhalo117

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8755
  • Liked: 4672
  • Likes Given: 768
Re: China launchers Q&A
« Reply #61 on: 10/20/2017 02:46 am »
Need help with regards to reading the thread in the sticky https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=30673.0

There is a list of orbital launches there. Figured out most of the fields (please correct me if wrong) except the two fields coloured red. What does those two fields represent? I guess the second one is the launch timing, but what is the format...can't figure it out.

<sequence> <(99-99)> - <launch vehicle> <(factory serial no.)> - <launch date> <(9999:99.999)> - <launch site>, <launch pad> - <payload>

Btw, the (factory serial no.) is something i just made up. Another thread describe this as a factory number/serial number. What would be the correct descriptor for this number?

.
.
2015

205 (07-63) - CZ-3C/YZ-1 (Y11/Y1) - March 30 (1352:30.598) - XSLC, LC2 - Beidou-3 I1 (BDS I1-S)
206 (05-46) - CZ-4C (Y30) - June 26 (0622:043.731) - TSLC, LC9 - GF-8
207 (07-64) - CZ-3B/YZ-1 (Y26/Y2) - July 25 (1229:04.411) - XSLC, LC2 - Beidou-3 M1-S (Beidou-18); Beidou-3 M2-S (Beidou-19)
208 (07-66) - CZ-3B/G2 (Y32) - September 12 (1542:04.418) - XSLC, LC2 - Tongxin Jishu Shiyan Weixing-1
209 - CZ-2D (Y21) - September 14 (0442) - JSLC, LC43/603 - Gaofen-9


First field you question: The entry format for Chinese Launch authorization code as issued by the Launch Control Centre
Second field you question: The entry format for the full launch time minus the Day. International precise short time format is:
Julian Day or JDay (000 to 366) then Hour (00 to 23) then Minute (00 to 59) then Second (00 to 59) then Millisecond (000 to 999) Then ZULU Time (UTC) or LOCAL Time.
That is DDD:HH:MM:SS.MS ZULU or JD: 000:00:00:00.000 ZULU (alternate precise short format is 000:0000:00.000 ZULU).
« Last Edit: 10/20/2017 04:31 pm by russianhalo117 »

Offline Moon Rabbit

  • Member
  • Posts: 46
  • Liked: 4
  • Likes Given: 114
Re: China launchers Q&A
« Reply #62 on: 10/20/2017 01:56 pm »
Thank you.
The Mercury Seven - Carpenter, Cooper, Glenn, Grissom, Schirra, Shepard, Slayton. “Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.” - Carl Sagan

Offline Liss

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1882
  • Moscow, Russia
  • Liked: 1084
  • Likes Given: 88
Re: China launchers Q&A
« Reply #63 on: 11/08/2017 06:23 pm »
My browser alarms me that the 9ifly.cn forum is now regarded as a Reported Attack Page. Is there a real threat?
This message reflects my personal opinion based on open sources of information.

Offline Skyrocket

  • Extreme Veteran
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2631
  • Frankfurt am Main, Germany
  • Liked: 940
  • Likes Given: 172
Re: China launchers Q&A
« Reply #64 on: 11/08/2017 06:52 pm »
My browser alarms me that the 9ifly.cn forum is now regarded as a Reported Attack Page. Is there a real threat?

Likely yes. I have checked the site with Sucuri, which confirms, that it has been compromised and could be harmful:
https://sitecheck.sucuri.net/results/9ifly.cn/

Offline Stan Black

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3135
  • Liked: 377
  • Likes Given: 228
Re: China launchers Q&A
« Reply #65 on: 02/15/2018 11:50 am »
Someone has posted a Chinese paper that resolves all configuration discrepancies between the different rockets of the CZ-3A series.  :)

Basically:

CZ-3A - just the one sub-variant
CZ-3B:
standard version - the original CZ-3B as flown in 1996, with standard length first stage and boosters, uses the 4.0 m diameter 4000F fairing
CZ-3B/G1 - standard version CZ-3B with the 3.7 m diameter 3700Z dual-payload fairing, only used for the dual COMPASS MEO launches in 2012
CZ-3B/G2 - the original enhanced CZ-3B, with lengthened first stage and boosters, uses the 4.0 m diameter 4000F fairing, first flown in 2007
CZ-3B/G3 - enhanced CZ-3B with the 4.2 diameter 4200F fairing
CZ-3B/G2 and G3 corresponds to what we call the "CZ-3B/E".

CZ-3C - currently just the one sub-variant, with standard length first stage and boosters, uses the 4.0 m diameter 4000F fairing (contradictory to what I said earlier, the CZ-3C as flown today do not use the lengthened first stage and boosters , but see below)

The problems with the different stage configurations (e.g. the pad at Xichang requires mating/de-mating of electric cables and gas ducts on the umbilical arms every time between launches of a CZ-3B/E and a CZ-3C) means that there's a need to standardize the launcher configurations. The "standard length" boosters will be phased out in the near future, leaving these mainstay sub-variants:

CZ-3B/G2 (GTO capability 5.5 tonnes)
CZ-3B/G3 (GTO capability 5.4 tonnes)
CZ-3C/G2 ("CZ-3C/E", or CZ-3B/G2 minus two boosters)  (GTO capability 3.9 tonnes)

plus these special variants:

CZ-3B/G3Z - enhanced CZ-3B with the 4.2 m diameter 4200Z fairing and extra RCS tanks and thrusters on the 3rd stage, probably for extra-long coast missions. May debut on the Chang'e 3 launch later this year. GTO capability 5.2 tonnes.
CZ-3C/G3Z - CZ-3B/G2 minus two boosters. GTO capability 3.7 tonnes.
CZ-3B/YZ-1 - enhanced CZ-3B with the 4.2 m diameter 4200Z fairing and the planned GEO direct insertion upper stage (probably the one using RP-1/H2O2 fuel as exhibited in various aerospace exhibits over the past several years), will be used for future COMPASS system launches
CZ-3C/YZ-1 - CZ-3B/YZ-1 minus two boosters, will be used for future COMPASS system launches

Maybe someone can help to check which launch uses the sub-variants as described above?  ;)

The CZ3B/YZ1 is also a CZ3B/G3Z/YZ1? 长征三号乙改三Z型/远征一号?
« Last Edit: 02/15/2018 11:50 am by Stan Black »

Offline VDD1991

  • Member
  • Posts: 78
  • Liked: 7
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: China launchers Q&A
« Reply #66 on: 11/12/2018 03:15 am »
We all remember the Long March as a crucial moment in pre-1949 Chinese communist history because Mao Zedong and the Chinese communists saw the march as a sign how they could persist in the face of attacks by the Kuomintang. However, I've wondered why almost all Chinese carrier rockets are named for the Long March. Does anyone know who first suggesting naming China's rockets in honor of the Long March?

Offline russianhalo117

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8755
  • Liked: 4672
  • Likes Given: 768
Re: China launchers Q&A
« Reply #67 on: 11/12/2018 02:51 pm »
Someone has posted a Chinese paper that resolves all configuration discrepancies between the different rockets of the CZ-3A series.  :)

Basically:

CZ-3A - just the one sub-variant
CZ-3B:
standard version - the original CZ-3B as flown in 1996, with standard length first stage and boosters, uses the 4.0 m diameter 4000F fairing
CZ-3B/G1 - standard version CZ-3B with the 3.7 m diameter 3700Z dual-payload fairing, only used for the dual COMPASS MEO launches in 2012
CZ-3B/G2 - the original enhanced CZ-3B, with lengthened first stage and boosters, uses the 4.0 m diameter 4000F fairing, first flown in 2007
CZ-3B/G3 - enhanced CZ-3B with the 4.2 diameter 4200F fairing
CZ-3B/G2 and G3 corresponds to what we call the "CZ-3B/E".

CZ-3C - currently just the one sub-variant, with standard length first stage and boosters, uses the 4.0 m diameter 4000F fairing (contradictory to what I said earlier, the CZ-3C as flown today do not use the lengthened first stage and boosters , but see below)

The problems with the different stage configurations (e.g. the pad at Xichang requires mating/de-mating of electric cables and gas ducts on the umbilical arms every time between launches of a CZ-3B/E and a CZ-3C) means that there's a need to standardize the launcher configurations. The "standard length" boosters will be phased out in the near future, leaving these mainstay sub-variants:

CZ-3B/G2 (GTO capability 5.5 tonnes)
CZ-3B/G3 (GTO capability 5.4 tonnes)
CZ-3C/G2 ("CZ-3C/E", or CZ-3B/G2 minus two boosters)  (GTO capability 3.9 tonnes)

plus these special variants:

CZ-3B/G3Z - enhanced CZ-3B with the 4.2 m diameter 4200Z fairing and extra RCS tanks and thrusters on the 3rd stage, probably for extra-long coast missions. May debut on the Chang'e 3 launch later this year. GTO capability 5.2 tonnes.
CZ-3C/G3Z - CZ-3B/G2 minus two boosters. GTO capability 3.7 tonnes.
CZ-3B/YZ-1 - enhanced CZ-3B with the 4.2 m diameter 4200Z fairing and the planned GEO direct insertion upper stage (probably the one using RP-1/H2O2 fuel as exhibited in various aerospace exhibits over the past several years), will be used for future COMPASS system launches
CZ-3C/YZ-1 - CZ-3B/YZ-1 minus two boosters, will be used for future COMPASS system launches

Maybe someone can help to check which launch uses the sub-variants as described above?  ;)

The CZ3B/YZ1 is also a CZ3B/G3Z/YZ1? 长征三号乙改三Z型/远征一号?
Its been a while since 2013 but there is reportedly development complete G4, G4Z, G5, and G5Z versions of CZ-3B and CZ-3C. CZ-3A upgrade programme appears to be frozen and possibly cancelled. Skyrocket has a reference to the standard G5 versions on his site but not much is known about the new versions.

Online Satori

  • Moderator
  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 14425
  • Campo do Gerês - Portugal
  • Liked: 1968
  • Likes Given: 1156
Re: China launchers Q&A
« Reply #68 on: 11/17/2018 10:26 pm »
Two interesting photos posted on 9ifly. No info available.

Offline anik

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 7776
  • Liked: 955
  • Likes Given: 368
Re: China launchers Q&A
« Reply #69 on: 11/18/2018 06:13 am »
Two interesting photos posted on 9ifly. No info available.

Serial number is 1901H, so it is the first CZ-2D produced in 1991 and launched in 1992.

Online Alter Sachse

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2423
  • Near Heidelberg
  • Liked: 1480
  • Likes Given: 1784
Re: China launchers Q&A
« Reply #70 on: 11/18/2018 09:07 am »
Two interesting photos posted on 9ifly. No info available.

Serial number is 1901H, so it is the first CZ-2D produced in 1991 and launched in 1992.
That was on 9.08.1992 (1992 Aug 9) with a FSW-2 satellite.
One day you're a hero  next day you're a clown  there's nothing that is in between
        Jeff Lynne - "21century man"

Online limen4

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 445
  • Liked: 227
  • Likes Given: 63
Re: China launchers Q&A
« Reply #71 on: 11/18/2018 10:03 am »
Quote
Two interesting photos posted on 9ifly. No info available.
Another image of the same launcher from a souvenir enveloppe. I guess that the pictures were made during a launch excercise in  1992.

Offline zhangmdev

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 156
  • Liked: 88
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: China launchers Q&A
« Reply #72 on: 11/18/2018 11:19 am »
<snip>
 However, I've wondered why almost all Chinese carrier rockets are named for the Long March. Does anyone know who first suggesting naming China's rockets in honor of the Long March?

Here is the official explanation, but in Chinese. Basically it was suggested by the designers and approved by the leaders. The Long March 1 project started around the eve of the cultural revolution, they had very limited options naming it. Cannot use historical or mythical figure. East wind, red dawn is everywhere. Quoting poems of Mao seems a safe choice.

http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/n6758968/n6758973/c6771530/content.html

Not all Chinese launch vehicles are called Long March. Feng Bao (Storm) was developed by Shanghai. It was a part of the power struggle between Beijing and Shanghai. Shanghai lost, so Feng Bao was no more.

Offline Salo

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 11329
  • Odessa, Ukraine
  • Liked: 4227
  • Likes Given: 3524
Re: China launchers Q&A
« Reply #73 on: 01/03/2019 09:19 pm »

Online zubenelgenubi

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 11163
  • Arc to Arcturus, then Spike to Spica
  • Sometimes it feels like Trantor in the time of Hari Seldon
  • Liked: 7393
  • Likes Given: 72424
Re: China launchers Q&A
« Reply #74 on: 10/26/2019 10:56 pm »
Starting here, there was a discussion which resulted in the conclusion that the CZ-3A was retired, with its last launch being that of BD-2 I7 on July 9, 2018.

I find no upcoming launches of a CZ-3C variant.  Its most recent launch was of the last BD-2 satellite, BD-2 G8, last May 17.  Is the CZ-3C retired as well?
Support your local planetarium! (COVID-panic and forward: Now more than ever.) My current avatar is saying "i wants to go uppies!" Yes, there are God-given rights. Do you wish to gainsay the Declaration of Independence?

Online Alter Sachse

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2423
  • Near Heidelberg
  • Liked: 1480
  • Likes Given: 1784
Re: China launchers Q&A
« Reply #75 on: 10/27/2019 08:17 am »
Starting here, there was a discussion which resulted in the conclusion that the CZ-3A was retired, with its last launch being that of BD-2 I7 on July 9, 2018.

I find no upcoming launches of a CZ-3C variant.  Its most recent launch was of the last BD-2 satellite, BD-2 G8, last May 17.  Is the CZ-3C retired as well?
On Chinese pages I don't find any planned launch with CZ-3A or CZ-3C.
But 18 planned launches with CZ-3B.
One day you're a hero  next day you're a clown  there's nothing that is in between
        Jeff Lynne - "21century man"

Offline Yarrah

  • Member
  • Posts: 63
  • Utrecht, The Netherlands
  • Liked: 1
  • Likes Given: 9
Re: China launchers Q&A
« Reply #76 on: 11/09/2020 08:27 am »
I'm trying to find out which launch sites / pads in the JSLC area all the new privately developed Chinese rockets are currently using. Any idea which pas the following rockets use, what their official names are and where they are located?

- Ceres-1
- Kuaizhou-1A
- Kuaizhou-11
- Jielong 1
- CZ-11
- Shian QuXian-1 (Hyperbola-1)
- Zhuque-1
- OS-M1

Online limen4

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 445
  • Liked: 227
  • Likes Given: 63
Re: China launchers Q&A
« Reply #77 on: 11/11/2020 07:54 pm »
There are 2 launch pads (about 5km NE of the known CZ-2/CZ-4 launch pads) which are used for the mentioned rockets. No confirmed designations for those launch pads are known. Based on some images from control center screens I guess that the launch pad for Ceres-1 is called No.95A. This would be in line with No.94 sometimes appeared in connection with the the CZ2/CZ-4 launch complex. And maybe the launch complex for CZ-2F is No.91. Based on designation No. 95A I assume that the neighbouring launchpad is called No.95B. This launch pad was used for KZ-1 launches in 2012 and 2013.
« Last Edit: 11/12/2020 11:25 am by limen4 »

Online Alter Sachse

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2423
  • Near Heidelberg
  • Liked: 1480
  • Likes Given: 1784
Re: China launchers Q&A
« Reply #78 on: 11/11/2020 08:10 pm »
The launch pad for the CZ-2E is no. 91 ?

https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau_det/cz-2fg.htm
One day you're a hero  next day you're a clown  there's nothing that is in between
        Jeff Lynne - "21century man"

Offline GELORD

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 460
  • ChinaSpaceflight
  • St. Petersburg
  • Liked: 322
  • Likes Given: 171
Re: China launchers Q&A
« Reply #79 on: 11/11/2020 08:55 pm »
Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center (TSLC). New launch pad. For which missiles?
与战士站岗、炊事员做饭一样,航天员是一种职业,工作就是飞行。

Tags: China launchers 
 

Advertisement NovaTech
Advertisement Northrop Grumman
Advertisement
Advertisement Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island
Advertisement Brady Kenniston
Advertisement NextSpaceflight
Advertisement Nathan Barker Photography
0