Most of the rockets developed in China belong to the
Long March (Chang Zheng) series with the prefix CZ or LM. The multi-stage
rocket will jettison its aft stages when fuel in these stages is exhausted.
This reduces the weight of the rocket and increases its speed.
Long
March 2C/SD Launch Vehicle
The two-stage rocket is an improved version of the CZ-2C with a
newly developed Smart Dispenser capable of delivering two satellites
simultaneously. It deployed two Iridium satellites for global satellite
phone communication in 1997.
Long
March 2F Launch Vehicle
This rocket was used to launch the unmanned spacecraft Shenzhou
into orbit in 1999. Four identical strap-on first stages allow heavy
payloads to be deployed.
Satellites
Dongfanghong
3 Satellite
This communication satellite was launched in 1994 for TV transmission
and telecommunication.
China-Brazil
Earth Resource Satellite (CBERS)
This remote-sensing satellite was jointly developed by China and
Brazil for monitoring the environment and resources of China and
Brazil. It was launched in 1999 by a Long March 4B Launch Vehicle.
Shenzhou Spacecraft
Shenzhou is China's first spacecraft scheduled for manned flight.
A test flight was carried out on 20 November 1999. After orbiting
the Earth for 14 times, it landed safely in Inner Mongolia.
Shenzhou
Spacecraft
The spacecraft is composed of three parts: the orbital module at
the front end, the re-entry capsule in the middle, and the service
module at the base.
Fairing
and Escape Tower
The entire spacecraft is enclosed in a fairing at the top of the
launch vehicle. This helps to protect the spacecraft and reduce
the drag during its flight through the atmosphere.
A
Test Flight of the Escape Tower
The escape tower has a small rocket attached to the top of the launch
vehicle. In case of accidents, the escape tower will jettison with
the spacecraft, bringing the astronauts to safety.
