Long March 5 (China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation)
The Long March 5 is a non-reusable, active launch vehicle manufactured by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (established in 1999). It undertook its inaugural launch on 11/03/2016.
Long March 5 is a Chinese heavy lift launch system developed by China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT). CZ-5 is the first Chinese vehicle designed from the ground up to focus on non-hypergolic liquid rocket propellants. Currently, two CZ-5 vehicle configurations are planned, with maximum payload capacities of ~25,000 kilograms (55,000 lb) to LEO and ~14,000 kilograms (31,000 lb) to GTO. The Long March 5 roughly matches the capabilities of American EELV heavy-class vehicles such as the Delta IV Heavy.
Long March 5 Specifications
| Length | 57 m |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 5 m |
| Stages | 2 |
| Launch Mass | 867 T |
| Takeoff Thrust | 10600 kN |
| LEO Capacity | 25000 kg |
| GTO Capacity | 14000 kg |
Long March 5 Launch Record
| Total Launches | 9 |
|---|---|
| Successful Launches | 9 |
| Pending Launches | 1 |
| Consecutive Successful Launches | 9 |
Manufacturer
Chairman & President: Lei Fanpei
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) is the main contractor for the Chinese space program. It is state-owned and has a number of subordinate entities which design, develop and manufacture a range of spacecraft, launch vehicles, strategic and tactical missile systems, and ground equipment. It was officially established in July 1999 as part of a Chinese government reform drive, having previously been one part of the former China Aerospace Corporation. Various incarnations of the program date back to 1956.