TLDR:
- China successfully launched a Long March-5 Y7 carrier rocket carrying a communication technology experiment satellite.
- The satellite, named Communication Technology Demonstrator 11, was built to verify multi-band, high-speed space-based communication technologies.
In a recent article by Zhao Lei on Chinadaily.com.cn, it was reported that China successfully sent a communication technology experiment satellite into space using a Long March-5 Y7 carrier rocket. The satellite, named Communication Technology Demonstrator 11, was launched from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Hainan province and placed in its intended orbit. This mission marked China’s ninth rocket launch of the year and the 509th flight of the Long March rocket family.
The Long March-5 Y7 carrier rocket was developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology and was the 11th in the Long March 5 series. The Communication Technology Demonstrator 11 satellite, built by the China Academy of Space Technology, is tasked with verifying multi-band, high-speed space-based communication technologies. The launch of this satellite is part of China’s efforts to advance its communication technology capabilities.
Lou Luliang, deputy chief designer of the Long March-5, mentioned that the rocket model is scheduled to carry out four to five launches this year, with the next mission involving the deployment of the country’s Chang’e 6 robotic probe to the far side of the moon. The Long March-5 Y7 carrier rocket has a liftoff weight of 877 tons and a payload capacity bigger than any other Chinese rocket, making it one of the world’s most powerful operational rockets.
Overall, the successful launch of the communication technology experiment satellite showcases China’s advancements in space technology and its commitment to further exploring the capabilities of communication satellites in space.