The Chinese state television company China Central Television (CCTV) has ordered its first satellite CCTV-1 and a launch to take it into space. The recipient of the launch order is the start-up “private” Chinese launch firm, LandSpace Techologies. LandSpace was originally developing a four stage solid 2m diameter rocket called the LS-1. However, in a design change the first LandSpace rocket will now be called ZQ-1 – Zhuque-1. This rocket will be 19m long and has a diameter of only 1.35m. It can carry a payload of 200kg to a sun-synchronous orbit, or a 300kg payload to a low Earth orbit. The launch is expected to take place from Wenchang by the end of 2018.
LandSpace is also reported to be working on a different liquid fuel family of more powerful rockets called ZQ-2.
LandSpace ZQ-1. Courtesy: LandSpace
