China’s new generation rocket launch slated for 2014

Beijing (CNS) -- China is currently developing its new generation of Long March 5 rocket, which is expected to enter the space in 2014, revealed chief engineer Jiang Jie of the Long March 3A rocket during an exclusive interview with CNS on Monday.

From 2006 till the end of 2011, the Chang Zheng (Long March) series of rockets have conveyed 79 spacecrafts on 67 space journeys, evidence of China's carrier rocket reliability.

China will focus on further enhancing the reliability and launch adaptability of its rockets currently on duty, and develop the new generation of Long March carrier rockets 5, 6, and 7 to take over slated and standard missions, as indicated in the official white paper China's Space Activities in 2011.

The new generation will feature heightened capacity, high reliability, robust adaptability and clean energy use, shouldering the launches of near-earth orbit satellites, geostationary transfer orbit satellites, satellites in Sun-synchronous orbit, space stations, and lunar probes, explained Jiang.