[FPSPACE] planned CE2 and CE3 launch dates

[Phil Clark]

Bearing in mind that the Chinese lunar rover will be significantly smaller than a Lunokhod, they could possibly launch that on the CZ-3B vehicle - the CZ-3A plus four strap-on boosters.

The sample-return mission will need the CZ-5/NGLV, I am sure.

I am waiting to see whether the Chinese plan just one lunar orbiter like Chang'e 1, then one lunar rover and then one sample-return mission or whether we will see more than one launch in each series.   A single launch in each series is possible, especially bearing in mind the traditional speed of the Chinese space programme, but a series of launches at each stage would make life rather more interesting.


Phillip Clark

----- Original Message ----- 
  From: E.P. Grondine 
  To: FPSPACE at friends-partners.org 
  Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2007 1:54 AM
  Subject: [FPSPACE] planned CE2 and CE3 launch dates



  http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007-10/24/content_6204269.htm

  If CE2 is massed for CZ5, then CZ5 is intended to be operational by 2012.
  On the other hand, perhaps just a CZ2 heavy (CZ2F) could be used.

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