AEROSPACE CHINA

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China Aerospace Academy of Systems Science and Engineering

ISSN 1671-0940

CN 11-4673/V

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AEROSPACE CHINA ›› 2016, Vol. 17 ›› Issue (3): 12-18.

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Maiden Flight of Long March 7-The New Generation Medium Launch Vehicle in China

  

  1. 1 China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, Beijing 100076
    2 Beijing Institute of Astronautical Systems Engineering, Beijing 10076
  • Online:2016-09-09 Published:2016-09-09
  • About author:W A N G X i a o j u n (1969- ), got his bachelor’s degree from the National University of Defense Technology and received his Ph. D degree in general design of flight vehicle from the Beijing Institute of Astronautical Systems Engineering. He is the Chief Commander of the Long March 7 launch vehicle.

Abstract: On June 25, 2016, the Long March 7 (LM-7) launch vehicle completed its maiden flight successfully. 
LM-7, as a new generation of medium and basic launch vehicle based on the design concepts of non-toxic and nonpolluting, was developed for the purpose of launching a cargo spacecraft to the Chinese space station. Based on the experience on launching cargo spacecraft and satellites, LM-7 can be adapted for mainstream satellite launch missions in the future with its characteristics of serialization and continuous optimization. LM-7 is expected to be used to launch manned spacecraft in the future. This paper presents a general review of LM-7 with regard to the general scheme and provides references for the development prospects of a medium launch vehicle series in China.

Key words: New generation medium launch vehicle, General scheme, Development prospects