China's Long March 3D Rocket: A Leader in Space Exploration

Long March 3B: China's Versatile Rocket for Space Exploration

Design and Specifications

The Long March 3B (CZ-3B) is a three-stage launch vehicle with four liquid rocket boosters. It stands 56.3 meters tall and weighs approximately 458,970 kilograms.

• First Stage: Powered by four YF-21C engines using nitrogen tetroxide/UDMH (unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine) propellant.
• Second Stage: Utilizes a single YF-24E engine with nitrogen tetroxide/UDMH propellant.
• Third Stage: Equipped with two YF-75 engines burning LH2/LOX (Liquid Hydrogen/Liquid Oxygen) propellant.

The Long March 3B can deliver payloads of up to 11,500 kilograms to low Earth orbit and 5,100 kilograms to geostationary transfer orbit.

Achievements and Important Missions

The Long March 3B has been instrumental in several significant missions:

• Launch of the Chang'e 3 and Chang'e 4 lunar rovers
• Deployment of Beidou navigation satellites
• Transportation of numerous communications satellites into orbit

Its successful track record has enhanced China's space exploration capabilities and independence.

Impact on Space Industry

The Long March 3B's successful flights have:

• Contributed to China's advancement in space technology and international competitiveness
• Increased China's influence in the space industry by serving domestic and international customers
• Demonstrated China's growing capabilities and ambitions in space exploration

The Long March 3B remains a crucial element in China's space exploration strategy, supporting both commercial and scientific missions. Its continued use on important missions underscores China's commitment to expanding its presence in space.