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CZ-2D Space Launch Vehicle

A third CZ-2 variant, the CZ-2D, appeared with little forewarning on 9 August 1992 in conjunction with the maiden flight of the FSW-2 spacecraft. The CZ-2D is essentially a two stage version of the CZ-4 with a LEO payload capacity in excess of three metric tons. The CZ-2D flew a second FSW-2 mission on 3 July 1994.

LM-2D (China)

Background Information
First Launch:
August 1992
Flight Rate:
2-3 per year
Launch Site:
Xichang Space Launch Center, China
Capability:
2,750 lb to GTO

History

  • Chinese rocket program started in the late 1950s
  • Evolved from Chinese surface-to-surface series IRBMs
  • LM-2E is enhanced version of the LM-2

Description

  • Three-stage liquid fueled vehicle (including PAM-D upper stage)
  • Stage 1 consists of four YF-20 motors burning UDMH/N2O4 providing a total thrust of 626,000 lb
  • Stage 2 uses one YF-22 engine and four YF-23 verniers burning UDMH/N2O4 for a total thrust of 171,300 lb
  • Stage 3 is a McDonnell Douglas PAM-D upper stage providing 66,700 lb of thrust

Profile

Length:
131 ft
Launch Weight:
421,000 lb
Diameter:
11 ft
Liftoff Thrust:
626,000 lb
Payload Fairing:
31.0 ft x 11.0 ft

REFERENCES

Sources and Resources

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