China launches new Long March rocket 12, carrying ‘test satellites’ for broadband networks
The two-stage vehicle, powered by burning kerosene and liquid oxygen, is notable as China’s first 3.8-metre-wide rocket
The 62-metre tall (200ft), 3.8-metre-wide Long March 12 lifted off from Wenchang spaceport on south China’s Hainan island at 10.25pm, sending two “technology test satellites” into orbit, according to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the country’s main space contractor.
It did not provide more detail about the satellites.
The two-stage rocket, powered by burning kerosene and liquid oxygen, is notable as the first 3.8-metre-wide rocket launched so far by China, said Wu Jialin, an engineer with the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology under CASC, which developed the spacecraft.
Most Chinese rockets have a diameter of 3.35 metres, Wu told a press conference on site shortly after the launch was declared successful. “A wider body means the rocket can hold about 30 per cent more propellant, giving it much enhanced carrying capacity,” he said.
The Long March 12 can deliver about 12 tonnes of payload to low Earth orbit and over 6 tonnes to a so-called sun-synchronous orbit, Wu said. It will join existing rockets to help China assemble its broadband “megaconstellations”.
