Long March 8 Rocket Completes Launch Site Rehearsal, Marking Hainan CommercialLaunch Site’s Maiden Flight
Hainan, China – November 8,2024 – The Long March 8 carrier rocket successfully completed its launch site rehearsal at Launch Site 1 of the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Base (Hainan Commercial Launch) today, according to the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. This marks the first time a complete Long March 8 series rocket has undergonea full-process rehearsal at this launch site.
The Long March 8, a new-generation mainstay medium-lift rocket, utilizes eco-friendly liquid propellants and is designed based on a modular combination approach. It made its maiden flight in2020, filling the gap in China’s 3-5 ton payload capacity for sun-synchronous orbits. The rocket is scheduled to launch around the end of the year, marking the inaugural mission for Launch Site 1in Hainan.
A Week of Rehearsal
On October 31, the Long March 8’s core stage and booster combination, core stage second stage, and payload fairing assembly were successfully transported to Launch Site 1, where they were assembled and prepared for a week-long rehearsal. From November 1to November 8, the rocket underwent a series of planned rehearsals, including subsystem tests and compatibility tests, general inspection tests and emergency drills, simulated propellant loading and launch, and simulated propellant return.
The successful completion of these rehearsals signifies a significant milestone in the preparation for the Long March 8’s upcoming launch, whichwill not only contribute to China’s space exploration endeavors but also further solidify the country’s position as a leader in the global commercial space launch market.
References:
- China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology
- IT之家 (IT Home)
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