China launches debut mission of Falcon 9-like rocket with no advance notice (video)
Space • • world
Key Points:
- China conducted the first launch of its partially reusable Long March 12B rocket on June 1 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, surprising observers by not issuing prior airspace closure notices.
- The Long March 12B successfully deployed two functional satellites for the Qianfan internet megaconstellation, marking China's effort to develop a Starlink-like satellite network.
- The rocket resembles SpaceX's Falcon 9 in design, featuring a two-stage configuration with a reusable first stage powered by nine kerosene and liquid oxygen engines, but China did not attempt to land the booster on this initial flight.
- China’s efforts in reusable rocketry also include the Long March 12A and private rockets like Landspace's Zhuque-3 and Space Pioneer's Tianlong-3, which have achieved orbit but faced challenges in booster landings or flight success.