China to activate heavy-lift launch vehicle project in next five years

China will activate the heavy-lift launch vehicle project in next five years, said a white paper released by the State Council Information Office on Tuesday.

"Endeavors will be made to research key technologies and further study the plans for developing heavy-lift launch vehicles," said the document titled "China's Space Activities in 2016."

Breakthroughs are expected in key technologies for the overall system, high-thrust liquid oxygen and kerosene engines, and oxygen and hydrogen engines of such launch vehicles.

China will also develop and launch medium-lift launch vehicles which are non-toxic and pollution-free, improve the new-generation launch vehicle family, and enhance their reliability, according to the white paper.

Meanwhile, China will conduct research into the technologies for low-cost launch vehicles, new upper stage and the reusable space transportation system between Earth and low-Earth orbit, it said. Endi