China Develops 9.5m Diameter Fuel Tank, Aiming for the Long March 9 Rocket with a Payload Capacity of 150,000kg.
The China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) has announced the successful production of a 9.5-meter diameter fuel tank, achieving a necessary milestone for creating a robust yet lightweight fuel tank suitable for rocket launches, as reported by Space on March 7.
Fuel tank with a diameter of 9.5m. (Photo: CALT)
The newly manufactured fuel tank is designed based on specifications from an older design for the Long March 9 rocket, which is not reusable, according to China’s plans. Subsequently, they transitioned to a new reusable rocket design with a diameter of 10.6m, but materials and techniques such as friction stir welding will still be applicable for the new plan.
The strongest and largest diameter rocket currently in China is the Long March 5, which has a diameter of 5m and can carry approximately 22,000kg of cargo to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The Long March 9 is expected to make its inaugural launch in 2030, with a capacity to transport 140,000 – 150,000 kg of cargo to LEO.
This rocket will be utilized to construct the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) as part of China’s plans. It may also assist in launching solar energy infrastructure into space and support deep-space missions.
CALT is part of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the primary contractor for the country in the space sector. Other divisions of CASC operate in various fields such as rocket manufacturing, spacecraft development and construction, and new engine design.
CALT is also developing a new launch vehicle to send astronauts to the Tiangong space station and a larger version for lunar missions. The first launch is anticipated to occur in 2027.
