[FPSPACE] CZ-2F/H - why?

[Chen Lan]

Phil,

As I know, there is no 2H. All recent reports refer to two new models, 2F/G and 2F/H.

2F/G is just an improved 2F by slightly stretching the stages and removing the escape tower. It is designed to launch TG labs and not for manned vehicles.

Yes, 2F/H will use YF-100 and will be used to launch crewed vehicles. It puzzled many people, too. But later reports suggest that it is only an engine upgrading model, meaning keeping of old stages and other subsystems. We know that CZ-5 will use newly designed stages made by new materials and many other new subsystems. One speculation on Chinese Internet is, 2F/H resignation reflects a strategy to get funding quickly. After CZ-5 (5m diameter) and CZ-6(2.25m diameter) 's approval, the 3.35m new LV is still on paper. An upgraded 2F is a relatively small project (within the scope of 2F) and is easy to be approved and funded. It may be a fastest way to have the new lox/kerosene launcher operational. Literally, if only engines are replaced, it is still reasonable to be called a 2F variant.

As for the 2F/H missions, why 12.5t (manned version, or 13t for cargo version)? It actually leaves us a large space for imagination...

Chen Lan
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Phillip Clark 
  To: FPSPACE 
  Sent: Saturday, October 25, 2008 3:27 AM
  Subject: [FPSPACE] CZ-2F/H - why?


  Recent Chinese statements are suggesting that the next series of piloted Shenzhou spacecraft will use the "CZ-2F/H" vehicle - maybe to be called the CZ-2H in reality - but I find the details rather puzzling.

  First, the CZ-2H will use LOX/kerosene rather than N2O4/UDMH and use the YF-100 engines which have been designed for the much larger CZ-5 launch vehicles: a single YF-100 on each of the four strap-ons, two on the first stage core and I assume one on the second stage core.   This is such a major redesign that one should perhaps consider it to be a new class of launcher and not part of the CZ-2/CZ-3/CZ-4 family.   Maybe it is really a technology development programme in support of the CZ-5 programme?

  Second, the payload capability of the CZ-2H is about 12.5 tonnes in the piloted version, yet Shenzhou is only about eight tonnes.   Even allowing for the sandwiches and other supplies needed to support a three-person visit to a space lab for about a month or so does not increase the mass of a Shenzhou by 50% or more.

  So, why is the CZ-2H vehicle actually required?   The existing CZ-2F and planned CZ-2G are more than sufficient for he space lab programme.

  Of course, the introduction of the CZ-2H will mean that unmanned test flights will have to be flown before the first crew is launched atop it.   I wonder how soon the maiden unmanned flight will be?

  Still scratching my head about this vehicle!

  Phillip Clark 


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