Standardization, modulation and integration would feature future
developments of
China's carrier
rockets, a Chinese rocket expert told Xinhua today.
China will focus efforts on research and large-scale production
of basic types of rockets that could be combined and improved
according to different requirements of each launch, said Liu
Zhusheng, chief designer of the rocket system of China's manned
space flight program, comparing the mechanism to building blocks
that can be combined into different shapes.
According to Liu, China's rocket production is conducted on the
single piece basis at present as only two launches are made at most
each year. In line with quality requirements, one of the rockets
would be singled out to pass quality check.
"Such small lot production would inevitably lead to waste," said
Liu.
On the improvement of propellant agents, Liu said that non-toxic
propellant agents will replace current propellant agents which are
poisonous, requiring a lot of pollution control measures.
"The current satellite launch service market is in excessive
supply," said Liu. "In order to compete with the United States, the
European Space Agency, Russia, Ukraine and India, it is necessary
for us to look ahead and outpace the competition rivals in the
study of technology and functions."
China has 12 models of rockets in four major series. To date,
the "Long March" series of rockets have successfully sent 52
home-made satellites, 27 foreign-made satellites and five
"Shenzhou" spaceships into space.
(Xinhua News Agency October 15, 2003)
