Long March 3C launch Vehicle (LM-3C)

Launch Services



LM-3C

History

The development of LM-3C is on the basis of LM-3A launch vehicle and starts simultaneously with LM-3B. The same module design is adopted on LM-3C as LM-3A and LM-3B. Inheriting the successful experiences of LM-3A and LM-3B, LM-3C will have the perfect adaptability and reliability. It is mainly used for launching spacecraft for GTO mission.

On 25 April 2008, its maiden flight was performed successfully. As of June 1, 2009, the LM-3C launch vehicle has conducted two (2) fights. During the coming years, several LM-3C launch missions have been scheduled.




LM-3C
LM-3C
LM-3C Structure
1. Payload Faring
2. Payload
3. Payload Adapter
4. Vehicle Equipment Bay
5. LH2 Tank
6. LOX Tank
7. Inter-stage Section
8. Third Stage Engine
9. Oxidizer Tank
10. Inter-tank Section
11. Fuel Tank
 12. Second Stage Vernier Engine
13. Second Stage Engine
14. Inter-stage Truss
15. Oxidizer Tank
16. Fuel Tank
17. First Stage Engine
18. Strap-on Booster Cone
19. Strap-on Booster Oxidizer Tank
20. Strap-on Booster Fuel Tank
21. Strap-on Booster Engine


Technical Data

LM-3C is a three-stage launch vehicle, which takes the mature LM-3A as the core stage with 2 strap-on boosters. The only difference between LM-3C and LM-3B is the number of the strap-on boosters. Its standard GTO capacity reaches 3800kg.

Stage Booster 1st Stage 2nd Stage 3rd Stage
Stage Diameter (m) 2.25 3.35 3.35 3.00
Stage Length (m) 15.326 23.272 9.943 12.375
Mass of Propellants (t) 37.746×2 171.775 49.605 18.193
Propellant N2O4/UDMH LOX/LH2
Engine DaFY5-1 DaFY6-2 DaFY20-1 (Main)
DaFY21-1 (Vernier) 		YF-75
Engine Thrust (KN) 740.4×2 2961.6 742 (Main)
11.8×4 (Vernier) 		78.5×2
Engine Specific Impulse
(N·Sec/kg) 		2556.2 2556.2 2922.57 (Main)
2910.5 (Vernier) 		4312
Booster 2
Lift-off Mass (t) 345
Overall Length (m) 54.838 (55.638)
Fairing Diameter (m) 4.00/4.20
Fairing Length (m) 9.56 (9.777)
GTO Launch Capacity (kg) 3800


(As of June 1, 2009)
Launch Records
No. Flight No. Launch Date Satellite Orbit Launch Center Result
1 F01 25 April,2008 TIANLIAN-1 GTO XSLC Success
2 F02 15 April,2009 COMPASS-G2 GTO XSLC Success