Guangchuan 01-02 - Zhuque-2E - Jiuquan - November 27, 2024 (02:00 UTC)

[mikezang]

The Zhuque-2E  Y1 (朱雀二号戊/朱雀二号改/朱雀二Ｅ?遥1) is plan to be launched this year winter.

[mikezang]

The NOTAM for ZQ-2E from Jiuquan.

[KVP424]

ZQ-2E had arrive at Jiuquan
https://twitter.com/AJ_FI/status/1859900508968009869

An upgraded version of Landspace's Zhuque-2 methane/lox rocket has been transported to its launch area at Jiuquan spaceport. Source: https://m.weibo.cn/status/5103563523757089

[TheKutKu]

Size comparison between ZQ2 and ZQ2E, courtesy of ASPT on billibili.

Common bulkheads on S2 means that it is shorter, despite improved performances.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

[tangdou8]

ZQ-2 user manual

[TheKutKu]

ZQ-2 user manual

It is noteworthy that ZQ-2E Y1 is a stopgap version that is shorter and lighter than the advertised ZQ-2E of the user guide.
It also still uses TQ-12 on the first stage instead of the advertised TQ-12A, this is likely why it has to be shorter.


Also attached is the timeline of this launch. There are 2 payloads.
I note that LC-96 has been renamed to LC-96A.

[catdlr]

https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1861181861311004720

[mikezang]

It is said the payloads might be Honghu-3 01/02 (鸿鹄三号01/02).

[Galactic Penguin SST]

ZQ-2 user manual

Translation of key points:

(coming soon)

[mikezang]

The ZQ-2E Y1 is on the launch spot.

[mikezang]

Launched!

[TheKutKu]

Successful launch

[mikezang]

The payloads as below
Guangchuan 01 光传01
Guangchuan 02 光传01

[Galactic Penguin SST]

According to one report the satellites are for "key technology demonstration for LEO internet communication constellation development".

The Chinese name "Guangchuan" roughly translates to "light-transfer" so maybe it's for inter-satellite laser communications links demonstration?

(https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5105267696208902)

[Galactic Penguin SST]

Launch video clips:

https://twitter.com/Cosmic_Penguin/status/1861601051599884612

https://twitter.com/Cosmic_Penguin/status/1861614204400374088

There are reports that the redesigned TQ-15A 2nd stage engine was tested for restarts after deployment of the main payload successfully twice.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

Full launch video from drones is here (credit: LandSpace - note no sound)

[Steven Pietrobon]

SciNews video.

[limen4]

View on both payloads (Source)

[jcm]

Nothing yet on who built/operates the payloads?