Hey space enthusiasts! 🌌 Big news from China: the Lijian-1 Y6 carrier rocket has just wrapped up its final assembly test in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province. 🚀✨ According to CAS Space, the rocket's developer, it's all systems go for a thrilling launch scheduled for late December this year!
This isn't just any rocket. For the first time, the Lijian-1 Y6 used a self-developed initiator during its test, along with other innovative products that cut down costs and speed up production. Talk about efficiency! 💡 These advancements make the rocket more suited for mass production and regular launch services. In other words, China's stepping up its space game! 🌠
Fun fact: a massive 3.35-meter diameter fairing was fitted to the rocket during final assembly. It was riveted, closed, sprayed, and delivered—ready to protect those precious satellites during their journey to space. 🛰️
The Lijian-1 series is a superstar in China's commercial space industry, boasting a high success rate, reliability, and cost-effective performance. With five missions under its belt, this series has already sent 57 satellites into orbit! That's some serious mileage. 🌍
CAS Space, the brains behind the rocket, is a commercial spaceflight company established by the Institute of Mechanics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. They're leading the charge in China's booming commercial space sector. 🚀
Did you know that in 2023, China conducted 67 rocket launches? Out of these, 13 were private commercial missions, with 12 successfully reaching orbit. 🌌 And it's not slowing down! The Central Economic Work Conference in December 2023 named the commercial space industry a strategic emerging industry. Plus, the 2024 government work report highlighted this industry during the Two Sessions—the annual gatherings of China's top legislature and political advisory body. 📈
The sky isn't the limit anymore—it's just the beginning! 🌟 Stay tuned for the Lijian-1 Y6's exciting launch this December. Who knows what new horizons we'll discover next? 💫
Reference(s):
China's Lijian-1 Y6 carrier rocket completes final assembly test
cgtn.com
