China’s Long March 12B makes a surprise debut, echoing Falcon 9 design
TL;DR
China launched its first flight of the Long March 12B rocket from the Jiuquan launch center, sending two satellites for the Qianfan megaconstellation into low Earth orbit. The two-stage, partially reusable booster resembled SpaceX’s Falcon 9 in concept, but the mission did not attempt a booster landing, and the launch occurred without advance airspace notices to the public.
- China launches debut mission of Falcon 9-like rocket with no advance notice (video) Space
- China launches rival to SpaceX Falcon 9 with zero warning Scientific American
- In a surprise launch, China debuts another big rocket designed for reusability Ars Technica
- China's reusable Long March-12B completes maiden flight, features structural innovation to cut weight and 'dual brains' for flight decision-making Global Times
- China conducts surprise launch of Long March 12B, delivers Qianfan satellites on debut flight SpaceNews
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