Source: CCTV.com | 07-03-2008 08:57

Chinese space experts say research on the new generation carrier rocket, the Long March Five, has already achieved major progress.

Chinese space experts say research on the new generation
carrier rocket, the Long March Five, has already achieved
major progress.

The Long March Five is boosting China's space dreams. The efficient and environmentally-friendly rocket doesn't produce toxins or pollution. The capacity of the new generation carrier is expected to increase nearly 3 times, from the current ten tons to 25 for the earth's low orbit, and from 5.5 tons to 14 tons for geo-synchronous orbits.

Li Dong, Chief Designer of Long March V Carrier Rocket said "This means we can launch more than one satellite with a single rocket and we can make further developments, like setting up a space station and lab."

With an investment of 4.5 billion yuan, the production base is expected to manufacture 20 or 30 carrier rockets per year. Though it is still under construction in the coastal city of Tianjin, the rocket's design work will soon be finished. Components production is scheduled to start by the end of this year.

Liang Xiaohong, Vice Director of Carrier Rocket Research Institute said "We hope the rocket can make its debut in 2014. And we will do a lot of ground tests before production."

China launched its first satellite in 1970. After nearly 40 years development, the Long March Carriers will put China in an elite space club, especially after a successful launch of Shenzhou V manned spacecraft.