Preparations for the launch of China’s new generation Long March-7 carrier rocket, which has just entered its five-day launch window, have gone well, according to the launch center. The rocket started successfully, loaded with a test model of China’s next-generation manned spacecraft and several small satellites.
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China’s ambitious space program includes having its own space station in orbit by 2022 and landing a man on the moon by 2024. Among the other three, Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Dessert is now China’s only manned spacecraft launch centre, while Xichang in southwest China’s Sichuan Province is mainly used to launch powerful-thrust rockets and geostationary satellites.
Other Chinese launch sites were developed during the Cold War and specifically located in sometimes remote, inland locations: Jiuquan in the Gobi Desert, Xichang near Chengdu, and Taiyuan near Beijing.
“The center will be used for the launch of geosynchronous satellites, large polar orbiting satellites, low and medium Earth orbit spacecraft, cargo spacecraft, space stations, as well as deep space exploration and other missions”.
That vehicle more than doubles China’s current lift capacity, and development has already suffered numerous delays.
The Long March-7 mission was first launched from Wenchang, the fourth launch site in China.
While most Chinese space missions are cloaked in secrecy, the event was live streamed live across China.
That only happens though when people – the public and the media – know what is going on.
China is also preparing another launch that could take place as early as this Saturday, Space Flight Insider reported Friday. If the International Space Station, which is now set to stay in orbit until 2024, is brought back to earth, China would be the only country with a permanent post in outer space.
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Wenchang tourist officials have said if weather creates unfavorable conditions, such as abnormal seas or slippery roads, the viewing stations will be closed.
