China launches Long March rockets for the 500th time

According to Xinhua, 3 satellites forming the fifth group of "Yaogan-39" remote sensing satellites were launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province using a Long March 2D rocket.

The satellites reached their planned orbital positions following the launch, marking the 500th transport mission carried out by Long March rockets.

FIRST DOMESTIC SATELLITE SENT IN 1970

China's first domestic satellite, Dongfanghong 1, was launched into space in 1970 using a Long March 1 rocket.

Since 1970, 20 types of Long March rockets have been produced, 16 of which are still actively in use.

The design and production of the rockets are undertaken by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) in Beijing and the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST) in Shanghai, both affiliated with the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).

Of the 500 launches, 297 were performed with Long March models developed by CALT, while 203 were performed with models developed by SAST.

In addition to the Long March rocket family, 64 launches have been carried out with other rockets developed by the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) and private aerospace companies.

CHINA'S 59TH LAUNCH THIS YEAR

The launch was China's 59th this year and the 13th using a Long March 2D rocket.

The Long March 2D rocket, developed by SAST, is capable of carrying payloads of up to 4 tons into Low Earth Orbit and up to 1.3 tons into Sun-Synchronous Orbit.

The 40.6-meter-long and 3.35-meter-wide rocket, which was first launched in 1992, has been used in 85 transport missions to date, all of which have been successful.

News Source: AA

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