Is there a reason why during the later Shenzhou mission launches the SRBs separate from the first stage right when the first stage separates from the first stage? I think that's a first for the space program.
No sure if this was shown but, it is a great overview of the launch. It shows LAS, booster and first stage separation clearly.
Thanks for the link - some very nice shots there!
But seeing the 1st stage separation more clearly makes me curious - Why in the world are they separating the boosters just a second before the 1st stage? Why not just keep the boosters attached until the stage separation and have 4 less separation events to worry about?
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=14392.msg813258#msg813258
This new version of the LM-2F rocket uses lengthened liquid boosters with a higher propellant load (the boosters for the original LM-2F separates at ~T+140s), and probably the engineers decided not to fix the boosters to the first stage, since it would require in-depth investigation on the effect of series staging (if it ain't broke, don't fix it).
Is there a reason why during the later Shenzhou mission launches the SRBs separate from the first stage right when the first stage separates from the first stage? I think that's a first for the space program.