Abstract: The maiden flight of LM-8 performed perfectly on December 22, 2020. The design concept of modularization, seriation and combination has been perfectly exhibited in LM-8. The four main technical innovations, including rapid integrated design based on modularization, engine thrust regulation, modal parameters acquisition technology based on numerical simulation, and flight load control, were verified during the maiden flight. LM-8 is now positioned to be the main force in China’s medium launch vehicles for commercial launch. In the future, the mission adaptability of LM-8 will be improved to provide efficient and low-cost launch services. In addition, new technologies to allow repeated use and autonomous flight will be validated.

Key words: LM-8, modularization, thrust regulation, dynamic characteristics, load control