China’s rocket program has witnessed remarkable growth over the past few decades, positioning the country as one of the leading players in space exploration and satellite deployment. From its early beginnings to the present-day advanced launch vehicles, China has continuously pushed forward its capabilities in rocket technology.
The journey began in the mid-20th century, when China launched its first successful ballistic missile tests, laying the groundwork for space launch vehicles. The development of the Long March series of rockets marked a major milestone. Named after the historic Long March of the Red Army, these rockets have been the backbone of China’s space missions since the 1970.
The Long March family includes a variety of models, each designed for specific payload capacities and mission profiles. Early versions like the Long March 2 and Long March 3 were used to place satellites into orbit, supporting China’s growing need for communication, weather monitoring, and scientific research satellites. These rockets have seen continual upgrades to improve reliability, thrust, and payload capacity.
One of the most significant achievements in China’s rocket program is the development of the Long March 5 series. This heavy-lift launch vehicle is crucial for ambitious missions such as lunar exploration and deep space probes. The Long March 5 can carry payloads of up to 25 tons to low Earth orbit and about 14 tons to geostationary transfer orbit, making it comparable to some of the most powerful rockets in the world.
China’s lunar program has greatly benefited from advances in rocket technology. The Chang’e series of lunar probes relies on these rockets to reach the Moon. Notably, Chang’e 4 made history by landing on the far side of the Moon in 2019, a feat that required precise launch and navigation capabilities supported by a reliable launch vehicle.
In addition to scientific missions, China’s rockets play a strategic role in national security and telecommunications. The country has launched numerous satellites for GPS-like navigation systems, known as BeiDou, helping reduce reliance on foreign satellite networks. These launches require rockets capable of precise orbital insertion and frequent repeatability.