The Lijian-1 Y5 commercial carrier rocket, launched on Monday with 15 satellites onboard, features a 3.35-meter diameter fairing designed to enhance the rocket's capability to carry more satellites in the future.
The rocket blasted off at 12:03 (Beijing Time) from a commercial aerospace innovation pilot zone in northwest China, successfully sending the 15 satellites—including the Jilin-1 Gaofen series, Yunyao-1 series, Xiguang-1 series, and a remote-sensing satellite for Oman—into their planned orbits. To meet this mission's requirement for a larger fairing—the protective cover for the satellites—the engineering team used a fairing with a 3.35-meter diameter to accommodate a larger payload or more satellites.
"This 3.35-meter diameter fairing provides the necessary space for additional satellites, and we've also taken other measures to optimize the carrying capacity of the Lijian-1 Y5 rocket. This will help enhance the carrying capacity of our rocket for future satellite launches," said Shi Xiaoning, chief designer of the Lijian-1 Y5 rocket from CAS Space.
This rocket's maximum diameter is 2.65 meters, which narrows down to two meters at the third-stage engine, so the rocket looks as if having "a big head". Although the larger fairing impacts the rocket's flight performance, the team has conducted extensive experiments to ensure the rocket's reliability and flight feasibility.
"We've conducted various ground tests, including aerodynamic wind tunnel tests and noise tests for the noise generated by the large fairing at transonic speeds. Based on these results, we also made additional analyses and tests on individual components," said the chief designer.
Lijian-1 Y5 rocket launches 15 satellites with enhanced fairing for future missions
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
