China aims for deeper space with new generation rockets: scientists

China will take its new generation heavy-lift rocket Long March-5 to the skies later this year, and is planning even bigger models.

According to Wang Jue, head of the Long March-5 project, the rocket has a liftoff weight of 869 tonnes, with a payload capacity of 25 tonnes to the low Earth orbit (LEO) and 14 tonnes to the geostationary transfer orbit (GTO).

"It can carry more than two and half times as much as our current launch vehicles," Wang said. "It is a marker of China's transformation from a major space player to a major space power."

Using non-toxic and pollution-free propellant, the 60-meter-long rocket measures five meters in diameter and will be equipped with four thrusters, each measuring 3.35 meters in diameter like previous Long March rockets.

Long March-5 rockets will come in six slightly different models and will be the main launch vehicles for manned space programs as well as lunar and Martian explorations.

"The more our rockets can lift, the farther we can venture into space," Wang said.

China has plans to launch the Long March-7, a medium-sized rocket that can carry up to 13.5 tonnes to low Earth orbit, this year. It will transport cargo for the planned space station.

Together, Long March-5 and Long March-7 are expected to eventually replace the earlier Long March rockets to meet domestic and international launch needs. Endi