Long March-5 may launch by end of 2014: expert  

中国“长征五号”运载火箭预计2014年底前后首飞

中国运载火箭技术研究院副院长郝照平说，由该院承担研制任务的中国新一代大推力运载火箭“长征五号”，现已进入大型地面验证的最后阶段，验证工作完成后将在明后年开展飞行前的准备工作。目前，“长征五号”研制任务正按计划正常推进，预计2014年底前后能够实现首飞。

Zhuhai (CNS) -- The Long March-5, a Chinese next-generation heavy-lift launch system, will hopefully make its maiden flight around the end of 2014, said an expert here on Thursday.

The Long March-5 is in the final stage of ground testing, and preparation for its flight will be carried out afterward, He Zhaoping, deputy director of the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), said during an interview at the 9th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition.

The Long March-5, whose maximum payload capacity will be raised to 25 tons from 8 tons, is targeting the future aerospace industry, he said.

The demand of one carrier rocket carrying two or more satellites was considered during the design of vessel, he added.