LAUNCH TIME | May 09, 2022 - 19:56 |
LAUNCH PROVIDER | China Aerospace Science Corporation |
COSTUMER | China Aerospace Science Corporation |
ROCKET | Long March 7 |
LAUNCH SITE | LC-201, Wenchang Satellite Launch Center, China |
PAYLOAD MASS | 6500 Kg |
DESTINATION | Tiangong Space Station, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) |
WEATHER | - |
China Aerospace Science Corporation (CASC) will launch Tianzhou 4, the third cargo resupply mission to the Tiangong Space Station.
Tianzhou
Tianzhou is an automated cargo vehicle that serves as the primary resupply vehicle for the Tiangong Space Station. The cargo ship was developed from the first Chinese space station prototype. Tianzhou's first spacecraft, the Tianzhou 1, was launched in April 2017 on a Long March 7 rocket.
The Long March 7 rocket
The Long March 7 is a three-stage medium lift launch vehicle (2 + one optional), capable of carrying up to 13,500 kg in low earth orbit.
Boosters The first stage of the Long March 7 can be supported by 0, 2 or 4 boosters. Each has a YF-100 engine, which uses refined kerosene (RP-1) and liquid oxygen (LOX). At sea level, each booster provides 1,200 kN of thrust.
The first stage The first stage has two YF-100 engines powered by refined kerosene (RP-1) and liquid oxygen propellant (LOx), in total producing 2,400 kN of thrust at sea level.
The second stage The second stage has four YF-115 engines powered by refined kerosene (RP-1) and liquid oxygen providing 706 kN of thrust in vacuum.
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