At 12:37 December 22, 2020 BJT, Long March-8 (LM-8) launch vehicle made its debut from Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site, successfully sending five satellites into pre-determined orbit. China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science & Technology Corporation (CASC), provides the launch services for four satellites aboard including HiSea-1 ,Yuanguang Satellite, TQ-08, and SS-01A.

LM-8 launch vehicle is the new generation cryogenic liquid medium-sized launch vehicle of China, which is designed and manufactured by China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), a subsidiary of CASC, with the configuration of a core stage strapped with two boosters. The total length is 50.3 meters, the lift-off mass is 356 tons, and the launch capacity is no less than 4.5 tons for 700 km sun synchronous orbit. Featured by its cost-effectiveness, LM-8 is designed with the aim to provide launch services in the commercial market.

HiSea-1 is a synthetic aperture radar imaging satellite, and Yuanguang Satellite is for scientific experiment, both belong to SpaceTY Co., Ltd. (Changsha); TQ-08 is a low-orbit data collection satellite of Beijing Guodian Hi-Tech Science and Technology LTD, and SS-01A is a remote sensing satellite of Beijing Smart Satellite Space Technology Co., Ltd.

CGWIC is a commercial organization authorized by Chinese government to provide commercial launch services, satellite systems and to carry out space technology cooperation, with more than 30 years of experience and a professional team. Under the guidance of CACS, CGWIC can provide fast, stable and reliable "one-stop" quality services to both international and domestic customers. Since long March launch vehicle entered the international market in 1990, CGWIC has completed 52 international commercial launches, launched 69 international commercial satellites, and delivered 11 communications satellites and 4 remote sensing satellites in orbit. In addition, CGWIC has provided 30 piggyback services to international and domestic customers, including 17 domestic piggyback launches, sending 44 domestic payloads, and 20 international piggyback launches, sending 27 international payloads.

The maiden flight of LM-8 launch vehicle is the 356th flight of the Long March series launch vehicle.

Credit: Su Dong

Date:2020-12-22