In a new report published by the Chinese Corporation of space science and technology (CASC) is dedicated to the space program of China, contains many ambitious goals that the Corporation aims for the next 20 years. Some of them told Engadget.
First things first CASC plans to expand the family of launch vehicle “Changzheng”. Series exists since 1970 and regularly refined and modernizarea. So, the next stage of modifications is planned for 2020 when you plan to finish work on a rocket “chanchzhen 8”. The main advantage of new items will be a small price which will enable China to offer the services of commercial launches. From 2025, when the work will be completed on the space Shuttle, rockets “Changan 8” can become the media. Ship plan to use, including for space tourism.
Following booster “Changan 9” will be put into operation until 2030 and, unlike the inexpensive “g” will be quite heavy, but it can orbit to one hundred tons of cargo. Now all the Chinese rockets are disposable, but by 2035 the whole series “Changan” are going to make reusable. This will allow you to perform a wide range of problems, including a marked interplanetary flights, cargo delivery to orbit, tourism, mining, space construction and much more.
In addition, until 2040 CASC intends to develop a space Shuttle with a nuclear engine. The details of the project, the document modestly silent, but the idea is already very intriguing. Probably would.
In China want to build a space Shuttle with a nuclear engine
Vyacheslav Larionov