At 1118 Hours Hong Kong SAR- Beijing Time 20th June 2023 , China- People’s Republic of China- CNSA –China National Space Administration Successfully launched the New Next Generation Long March – Chang Zheng 6 Y12 carrier rocket at the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center Shanxi Province.. the Long March 6 carrier rocket carrying the test 25th satellite ignited and took off at the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, and then successfully put the satellite into the predetermined orbit, and the launch was a complete success.
The Long March-6 launch vehicle is a low-temperature liquid three-stage launch vehicle developed by the General Manager of the Eighth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. Its sun-synchronous circular orbit has a carrying capacity of up to 1.0 tons (orbital height 700 kilometers). In this mission, the rocket test team carried out work in three aspects: optimizing the process, improving reliability and enhancing mission adaptability in response to satellite requirements, to improve the quality and efficiency of rocket launches. The test satellite No. 25 was developed by Aerospace Dongfanghong Satellite Co., Ltd. of the Fifth Academy of Aerospace Science and Technology Group, and is mainly used to carry out new-type earth observation technology experiments. This launch is the 11th launch of the Long March-6 carrier rocket and the 477th launch of the Long March series of carrier rockets
Long March 6 Yao 12 arrow adopts a new inverted cone-shaped frame-type satellite support…… The Long March 6 launch vehicle for this mission was developed by the Eighth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, and it adopts the Sanping test launch mode A new generation of liquid oxygen kerosene launch vehicle. In this mission, the rocket test team carried out work in three aspects: optimizing the process, improving reliability and enhancing mission adaptability in response to satellite requirements, to improve the quality and efficiency of rocket launches.
Following the launch of the mission, the model team sorted out a total of 36 improvement items, covering operational reliability and test coverage, which further improved the robustness and reliability of the rocket.
“The satellites launched this time are highly compatible with our Long March 6 rocket,” said Yu Yansheng, the overall chief designer of the Eight, Chang Zheng –Long March 6 test team. From the perspective of load weight, there are several types of rockets on the market that can perform this mission, but after an in-depth analysis of the satellite’s shape design and mission requirements, only the fairing envelope and carrying capacity of the Long March 6 are most suitable for the mission.
In view of the overall configuration of the mission satellite with a large aspect ratio, an inverted cone-shaped frame-type satellite support was designed for the model, and it is equipped with a 2.9-meter-diameter satellite fairing to adapt to the layout and interface of the satellite in the fairing. Requirements, provide effective “lifting + support” for satellites. In addition, the foam spraying technology is used on the outside of the satellite fairing to realize the insulation measures of the fairing without operation at the launch site and before launch.
At the same time, in terms of the separation method of the satellite, Chang Zheng –Long March 6 Y12 adopted a point-type connection and separation device composed of four components for the first time, which has the characteristics of light weight and intensive functions of Improved separation reliability.
In view of the fact that there are many satellite operation items after the rocket is transferred to the launch area, the design and operation personnel of the two sides of the model organization, the Star and Rocket, carried out special exchanges to confirm the timing, process, tools, precautions, etc. of the operation one by one; at the same time, arrange Specialized operation drills optimize the operation process to ensure that the time is controllable, safe and smooth in actual operation.
The Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in June coincided with the season with more thunderstorms, and the model carried out re-identification, re-analysis, and re-confirmation of summer launch risks at the launch site. According to the characteristics of the Long March 6 carrier rocket’s “three-level” test launch mode and unsupported launch, a special review of rain and lightning protection was carried out, including the effectiveness of rain and lightning protection measures, the actual implementation of various measures, and the dismantling and rain protection before launch. Timing, etc., form a tabular inspection and confirmation document to ensure that the rocket meets the pre-launch operation and launch requirements during the thunderstorm season.
Images and visuals are from their Respectives CMS China Manned SpaceCNSA-China National Space Administration
