According to a subordinate WeChat account of the PLA Daily, Long March-7, China's homegrown new-generation carrier rocket, is scheduled to be launched from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center in south China's Hainan province between June 25 and 29. This is the first task for the rocket during the construction of the space lab in the third phase of China's manned space flight project. This will be the first time for the Long March-7 carrier rocket to be launched and the first time for the launch center to launch a rocket.
Here are nine secrets regarding the Long March-7 carrier rocket:
1. The new-generation rocket can be launched in the rain
Although China would not launch in-service rockets on rainy days the water-proof new-generation rocket can be launched in rainy days.
As it is of high humidity and precipitation in the new launch center in south China's Hainan province, it is required that the new-generation rocket should be waterproof.
2. The new-generation carrier rocket can be parked for 24 hours after being fueled
The Long March-7 carrier rocket can be parked at the launch center for 24 hours, the longest duration known after a rocket is filled with low-temperature fuel. The new-generation rocket is designed to meet multi-launch demands. The long park duration improve the degree of reliability during launch of the rocket.
3. More water is needed to lower the temperature of the platform during launch.
A total of 400 tons of water is needed during a duration of 20 seconds to lower the temperature of the launching platform so that the platform will not be damaged by the high temperatures.
4. A special protective coating is needed for the rocket launch platform.
As the temperature will reach 2,800 degrees Celsius at the moment of launching, technicians will paint a special protective coating on the platform to extend the service life.
5. The Long March-7 carrier rocket has been shipped to the launch center from the Tianjin port rather than being transported along highways and railways.
6. In order to save space, the new-generation rocket will use the same track as the Long March-5 did during transportation. The rocket will make 60-degree turns four times.
7. There are pipes used to refuel, recharge and adjust the temperature of the rocket.
8. Almost 90 percent of the weight of the rocket is fuel.
9. The new-generation rocket can resist sudden gales of wind because the rocket is equipped with wind-resistance devices.
