China's Lijian-1 Y6 carrier rocket has successfully completed its final assembly test in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, marking a significant milestone for the country's burgeoning commercial space industry.
According to CAS Space, the developer behind the rocket, Lijian-1 Y6 has not only passed the factory review but is also slated for a December launch, which will carry 11 satellites into orbit.
One of the standout features of this rocket is its self-developed initiator, implemented for the first time during the test. Alongside other innovative products, this development has effectively reduced operating costs and shortened the production cycle, making the Lijian-1 series more suitable for mass production and the regular operation of launch services.
The final assembly included the fitting, riveting, closing, and spraying of a 3.35-meter diameter fairing, ensuring the rocket's readiness for its upcoming mission.
The Lijian-1 series has proven its reliability with five successful flight missions and a total of 57 satellites launched to date. As a cornerstone of China's commercial space efforts, the rocket series offers a high success rate and cost-effective performance, aligning with the strategic goals highlighted at the Central Economic Work Conference in December 2023.
CAS Space, established by the Institute of Mechanics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, continues to drive innovation and growth in China's rapidly expanding commercial space sector, which saw 67 rocket launches in 2023 alone, including 13 private commercial missions.
Reference(s):
China's Lijian-1 Y6 carrier rocket completes final assembly test
cgtn.com
