Latest Long March clears another test
The staff members prepare for the test of the second stage engine of the Long March-8 rocket in Beijing on November 25, 2019.
China has successfully tested the second stage engine of the Long March-8 rocket, preparing for its maiden flight in 2020, according to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
The hydrogen-oxygen engine worked normally in the test and was shut down after completing all test procedures.
Developed by the CASC, the Long March-8 rocket is a new type of rocket that uses module design and can be prepared in a short time, making it competitive for commercial launch.
The first stage of the Long March-8 rocket is similar to that of the Long March-7 rocket and the second stage rocket is similar to the third stage of the Long March-3A rocket. It has a payload capacity of 5 tons to sun-synchronous orbit and 2.8 tons to geostationary transfer orbit.
The Long March-8 is being assembled and is estimated to conduct 10 to 20 launches annually.
