ChangZheng 2D (Long March 2D) Space Launch Vehicle

Last updated: 14 May 2007

The ChangZheng-2D (CZ-2D, or Long March-2D in its translation) was developed by Shanghai Academy of Space Flight Technology (SAST, also known as 8th Space Academy) based on the first and second stages of the CZ-4 space launch vehicle. The CZ-2D is a two-stage, liquid-propellant launch vehicle designed mainly for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) missions, with an LEO payload of 3,700kg. The CZ-2D has carried out seven flight missions successfully since 1992, all from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre.

The CZ-2D carries UDMH/N2O4 for all stages. The first stage uses a YF-21B motor consisting of four 65,000kg-thrust YF-20 chambers motors with swinging nozzles. The second stage has a YF-24F rocket motor consisting of one 75,000kg-thrust YF-22B main motor with fixed nozzles, and a YF-23F swivelling venire motor with four chambers motors that produce a total thrust of 4,700kg. The launch vehicle also features a McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing Aerospace) PAM-D upper stage providing 66,700 lb of thrust.

There are two types of fairings available for the CZ-2D launch vehicle: the 2.90m-diameter Type A and the 3.35m-diameter Type B.

Specifications

First launch: 9 Aug 1992
Last launch: 29 Aug 2005
Service status: In service
Overall length: 37.73m
Diameter: 3.35m
Fairing diameter: 2.90m/3.35m
Launch weight: 232.7 tonnes
Lift-off thrust: 2,550kN
Payload: 3,700kg to LEO