The Long March-12 carrier rocket, China's first carrier rocket with a diameter of nearly four meters, features an enhanced carrying capacity and a model that allows the rocket to lie flat while being assembled, tested and transported.
With a length of about 62 meters and a diameter of 3.8 meters, the rocket features a two-stage design. It is currently the country's largest single-core carrier rocket in payload capacity.
"The diameter of the Type I rocket decides its carrying capacity. Both of its first stage and second stage have a diameter of 3.8 meters. Its first stage has four 130-tonne liquid oxygen kerosene engines and the second stage has two 18-tonne liquid oxygen kerosene engine. Its takeoff thrust is at 5,000 kilonewtons, which makes it a medium-sized rocket," said Zhao Zhijie, a staff member of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
The carrying capacity of the rocket can be enhanced by a larger diameter, which allows it to fly with more fuel, but diameter enlargement should take into consideration factors like transportation and manufacturing.
"A larger diameter has a higher demand for manufacturing techniques and transportation, because the rocket needs to be transported to the launch pad once it completes manufacturing. The third consideration is the carrying capacity of the rocket. To make the rocket a medium to large-sized one, we have to make it a cluster carrier rocket, which means it has higher complexity. If we take into the simplicity of configuration into consideration, the diameter should not be too large or too short. Besides, diameter of the rocket's body should also match its engines. The diameter of 3.8 meters of Long March-12 carrier rocket can meet all the demands I mentioned above," said Zhao.
Targeting the country's commercial flight sector, the carrier rocket has a different model for assembly, test, and transportation, allowing it to lie flat while completing the procedures.
"Our technical area no longer needs a high assembly building, which is typically seen when the rocket stands vertically. Since its assembly and tests can be completed while the rocket now lies flat, it does not need a high factory," said Zhao.
China's new carrier rocket features enhanced carrying capacity, facilitated assembly
