China is developing a new generation manned carrier rocket that will launch for the first time in 2027. The next generation of human spacecraft as well as upcoming lunar landers will be launched by the new rocket, which is now under development.
The development phase of China’s massive space exploration programme is moving forward at a rapid clip. Rong Yi, the Long March-2F carrier’s primary designer, claims that things are going according to plan.
“The rocket will have a core diameter of five meters, tied up with a booster of the same diameter. To meet the demands of the manned lunar landing, its carrying capacity on the lunar trajectory will reach 27 tons, while around 70 tons for low-Earth orbit,” she said.
Rong noted that engineers are using their prior knowledge of earlier models as they construct the carrier rocket. In order to increase the carrier’s in-flight dependability, cutting-edge technologies including intelligent flight programming were also included.
“With regard to intelligent flight, there will be some practical project applications of the rocket to enhance the probability of success in missions and to ensure the safety of astronauts. In addition, the rocket will help to further optimize the operation costs of China’s space station, so the first stage of the rocket is designed to be reusable, and there is an innovative plan for the reuse,” the chief designer emphasized.
Rising interest in space
The last manned mission returned to Earth in just three years after the first manned mission succeeded in setting foot on the moon’s surface in 1969, leaving the moon uninhabited for 50 years.
Since American entrepreneur Elon Musk announced his intention to forego a manned journey to the moon in favour of attempting to travel directly to Mars with the aid of his SpaceX spaceship firm, several years have already passed.
China’s statements could be the spark that ignites the second space race.
