China's Long March 12B Rocket Surprises with Unannounced Launch and Successful Payload Deployment
China launches debut mission of Falcon 9-like rocket with no advance notice (video)
Image: Space
China successfully launched its Long March 12B rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on June 1, 2023, without prior notice. The rocket carried two satellites for the Qianfan internet megaconstellation, marking a significant step in China's space capabilities.
- 01The Long March 12B is a partially reusable rocket similar in design to SpaceX's Falcon 9, standing 230 feet tall.
- 02The launch occurred without advance notice to the public or airspace restrictions, which is unusual for rocket launches.
- 03This mission successfully deployed two satellites for the Qianfan internet megaconstellation, a competitor to SpaceX's Starlink.
- 04CASC has plans to attempt a booster landing for the Long March 12B in future missions.
- 05China's rocket industry is expanding with multiple companies developing partially reusable launch vehicles.
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On June 1, 2023, China launched its Long March 12B rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert, marking its debut without any prior notice or airspace restrictions, a practice typically observed for safety. The rocket successfully deployed two satellites for the Qianfan internet megaconstellation, which aims to provide internet services similar to SpaceX's Starlink. The Long March 12B features a design akin to the Falcon 9, standing approximately 230 feet (70 meters) tall and employing a reusable first stage powered by nine engines that burn kerosene and liquid oxygen. However, unlike SpaceX, CASC did not attempt to land the booster during this inaugural flight, with plans for such an attempt in the future. The launch highlights China's growing capabilities in space technology, as it continues to develop various partially reusable rockets, including the Long March 12A and private ventures like the Zhuque-3 and Tianlong-3.
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The successful launch of the Long March 12B enhances China's position in the global space race and its capabilities in satellite internet services.
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