China’s Long March rocket set for debut flight

China’s Long March 12 rocket, capable of delivering larger payloads with enhanced functionalities into Earth’s orbit is expected to make its debut flight in 2024, as reported by state media.

Zeng Wenhua, a structural designer at the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, announced that the debut flight of the Long March 12 is slated to take place at the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Centre. The spaceport, set to commence operations in June, will serve as the launch site.

The Long March 12 will be the first Chinese rocket with a diameter of 3.8 metres, wider than the 3.35-metre diameter of most Chinese rockets, and will have two stages. It will stand over 60 metres tall (196 feet).

Propelled by six liquid oxygen-kerosene-fueled engines, the Long March 12 will be able to transport a payload of 10,000 kg (22,000 pounds) to a low-Earth orbit, according to the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, a subsidiary of China’s main space contractor.

That means the Long March 12 would be able to transport half a dozen large communication satellites into orbit on one mission, putting it almost in the same category as the heaviest variant of the Long March 3, which is used to launch the satellites of China’s homegrown BeiDou navigation system.

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Distinguishing by payload capacities, small-lift rockets handle up to 2,000 kg, medium ones transport up to 20,000 kg, and heavy rockets surpassing 20,000 kg prove instrumental for interplanetary probes.

China, relying on its Long March-series rockets, a cornerstone in the nation’s space endeavours, has successfully executed over 500 launch missions since 1970, deploying more than 20 variants.

In 2024, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp, the primary space contractor, anticipates a landmark achievement with a projected 100 launch missions. Simultaneously, the ascent of launches by Chinese commercial companies is also expected to mark this year.