China unveils Long March-5 carrier rocket

The Long March-5 carrier rocket. (Photo provided by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation)

(ECNS) -- China has unveiled its Long March-5 carrier rocket in Tianjin as experts prepare it for testing, according to China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

The country has made key technological progress in developing the rocket, which is the biggest and also has the largest carrying capacity among equivalents under development.

In 2012, China successfully conducted tests on its new 120-tonne-thrust liquid oxygen (LOX) and kerosene engine for the carrier rocket in Xi'an, capital city of Shaanxi province.

The Long March rockets currently in service include the Long March-1, Long March-2, Long March-3 and Long March-4 series.

China started the development of modern carrier rockets in 1956. Long March devices have become the main carriers for satellite and spacecraft launches.