China's space program is expected to soon launch its Long March 7A rocket from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center, located in Hainan Province.

According to SpaceNews, China is preparing for the launch of a "technology verification satellite" from the southern island of Hainan.

A report in Chinese published on a public WeChat platform confirms that the Long March 7A, a liquid-fuelled carrier rocket, arrived at the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center in January and has "made preparations [for launch] in an orderly manner."

According to SpaceNews, no airspace closure notifications have been issued yet, suggesting that the launch will not take place in the very near future. In addition, the satellite's intended role has not been revealed. However, it is believed the satellite will be launched into a geosynchronous transfer orbit.

The launch vehicle has a length of 60.13 meters and a liftoff mass of around 573 metric tons, according to the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. The Long March 7A is a variant of the Long March 7, which made its inaugural flight on June 25, 2016, and adds a third stage to the rocket's launch.

In addition, a test flight of the Long March 5B, a Chinese heavy lift launch system, is also expected to take place soon at Wenchang.

Source: RIA Novosti

Related Links
China National Space Agency
The Chinese Space Program - News, Policy and Technology
China News from SinoDaily.com

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China's Long March-5B carrier rocket arrives at launch site
Beijing (XNA) Feb 07, 2020
China's Long March-5B carrier rocket arrived at the launch site in southern China's Hainan Province Wednesday after a week of ocean and rail transport, according to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. The rocket will take part in a joint rehearsal with the prototype of the Chinese space station's core module at the Wenchang Space Launch Center. It is scheduled to make its maiden flight and launch the prototype of China's new manned spaceship in April. The Long March-5B is ... read more