Beijing (TDI): China’s new-generation Long March-10 carrier rocket is set to significantly enhance the country’s capacity for manned lunar and Mars missions, a senior rocket designer revealed on Friday.
Long Lehao, a leading designer at the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, stated that the rocket would boost lunar transfer orbit payload capacity from the current 8.2 tonnes to 27 tonnes, Xinhua reported.
The Long March-10 is being developed to support new manned spacecraft and lunar landers as part of China’s ambitious lunar landing programme.
Development of the rocket is reportedly progressing smoothly, with the first-stage power system tests already completed.
The Long March-10 will also serve as the foundation for a series of variants designed for manned and cargo missions to China’s space station, as well as satellite launches, Long added.
China’s Long March-9 Rocket
Additionally, China is working on the Long March-9, a heavy-lift rocket with a diameter of 10.6 metres, a height of approximately 114 metres, and a lunar transfer orbit payload capacity of 50 tonnes.
This advanced rocket, powered by liquid oxygen and methane, is being designed for future manned Mars missions.
Also Read: China Launches Shenzhou-19 Spaceflight Mission
The Long March-9 will feature full reusability, with both stages designed for recovery at sea.
An animated video showcased at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition demonstrated the rocket’s innovative recovery system, including grid fins for descent control and vertical landing capabilities for the second stage.
Also Read: China’s Geespace Launches Advance Satellites
According to Long, the development of these cutting-edge rockets will provide a significant boost to related industries, including advanced design, high-end manufacturing, and the production of critical materials and components.
These advancements underline China’s growing ambitions in space exploration and its commitment to becoming a major player in the global space race.
