CALT Archives - SpaceNews

A large cylindrical stainless steel propellant tank, developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), sits mounted in a factory setting. A red banner across the tank reads “Large-diameter stainless steel tank integrated test product off the assembly line” in Chinese.

China is making stainless steel tanks for its future super heavy-lift rockets

by Andrew Jones April 30, 2025April 30, 2025

A Chinese state-owned rocket maker is making progress in producing large diameter stainless steel tanks for its next-generation launch vehicles.

A Long March 3B rocket lifts off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center at night, sending the Tianlian-2 (05) data relay satellite into orbit. Bright flames and smoke billow from the rocket’s base as it ascends past the illuminated launch tower.

Long March 3B launches Tianlian-2 (05) satellite to boost space data relay network

by Andrew Jones April 27, 2025April 27, 2025

Image showing the payload fairing separation test for the Long March 10 rocket, featuring the separated fairing halves on the ground and the structural test article exposed in the center. The test setup includes a conical spacecraft section with a metallic upper structure, surrounded by a controlled testing environment with scaffolding and observation equipment.

Civil

China performs fairing separation test for crewed moon mission rocket

by Andrew Jones November 20, 2024November 20, 2024

Civil

China unveils fully reusable Starship-like rocket concept

by Andrew Jones November 14, 2024November 14, 2024

Civil

China’s new rocket for crew and moon to launch in 2026

by Andrew Jones November 6, 2024November 6, 2024

Civil

China takes small step towards the moon with rocket test

by Andrew Jones June 17, 2024June 17, 2024

China launches 20 satellites on separate inland and sea rocket launches

by Andrew Jones February 4, 2024February 4, 2024

A view of the Jiuquan launch center from the Sentinel-2 satellite. China's reusable experimental spacecraft launched from the facility Sept. 4.

China is working on a design for a reusable air-launched orbital rocket

by Andrew Jones November 30, 2023November 30, 2023

The second Long March 8 lifts off from Wenchang at 11:06 a.m. local time, Feb. 27, 2022.

China looks to Long March 8 rocket to help launch its answer to Starlink

by Andrew Jones May 31, 2023July 18, 2023

China plans full reusability for its super heavy Long March 9 rocket

by Andrew Jones April 27, 2023April 27, 2023