面向商业航天 长八甲火箭有这些新突破

Core Viewpoint - The Long March 8A rocket represents a significant advancement in China's commercial space launch capabilities, showcasing innovations that enhance payload capacity and operational efficiency while addressing the specific needs of low Earth orbit satellite constellations [1][2][7]. Innovation Breakthroughs - The Long March 8A rocket is an upgraded version of the Long March 8, featuring a 3.35-meter diameter upper stage and a 5.2-meter diameter fairing, with a total height exceeding 50 meters and a launch mass of approximately 371 tons, achieving a thrust of about 480 tons [1]. - The rocket's payload capacity has been increased by approximately 55% through modular design and new materials, enabling it to support payloads of 3 tons, 5 tons, and 7 tons for sun-synchronous orbits, thus meeting future demand for mid-to-low Earth orbit launches [1][2]. Development Journey - The development of the Long March 8A began in 2022 and took 28 months to complete, marking a rapid progression in the design and testing phases, which is referred to as "China speed" in the context of medium-sized rocket development [2]. - Over 40 key technologies were successfully developed, and more than 40 large-scale ground tests were conducted during the development process [2]. Smart Upgrades - The rocket's ground control system has been restructured to enhance safety and efficiency, addressing the risks associated with manual operations in traditional launch modes [4]. - Automation has been introduced to critical operations, significantly reducing the time and risk associated with high-risk tasks, such as the short-circuit protection of pyrotechnics, which previously required manual intervention [5]. Customized Solutions - The design of the launch system has incorporated "active drift" technology to mitigate collision risks between the rocket and the launch tower, allowing for a closer positioning without compromising safety [6]. - Innovations such as "supercooled liquid oxygen" and the use of lithium-ion batteries have been implemented to enhance efficiency and reduce costs, with the former increasing engine thrust by approximately 10% and the latter improving reliability and reducing maintenance needs [6]. Industry Impact - The Long March 8A rocket's technological advancements align with the core demands of the commercial space sector for speed, cost-effectiveness, and stability, marking a transition for China's launch vehicles from merely meeting demands to actively leading in the commercial space arena [7].