Major Space Launches Set for This Week Amid Global Competition
In a week filled with anticipation and excitement within the space exploration community, the launch schedule stands out as a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless drive to push boundaries beyond our planet. The ZhuQue-2E rocket from Landspace is poised for its maiden flight, marking a significant milestone in China’s burgeoning space program. Meanwhile, the United States and Russia prepare for a series of classified missions, highlighting the ongoing geopolitical dynamics that influence space activities.
The ZhuQue-2E rocket, an enhanced variant of the original ZhuQue-2, is scheduled to launch from Site 96 at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in China on Wednesday, November 27, at 02:00 UTC. This rocket represents a leap forward, using liquid methane and liquid oxygen as propellants. This innovative combination has already proven its worth as the ZhuQue-2 became the first methane-burning rocket to achieve orbit in December 2022. Following some challenges during its upper-stage performance on its demo flight, the ZhuQue-2 successfully launched four payloads into Sun-synchronous orbits in subsequent missions last year, solidifying its operational capabilities.
As the ZhuQue-2E prepares for its maiden launch, the exact payloads remain undisclosed, though speculation suggests they may include test satellites for the Honghu constellation. The mission holds the promise of deploying these satellites approximately eight and a half minutes post-launch into a low-Earth orbit, with an inclination of 50 degrees, ensuring critical testing for future applications.
Landspace’s meticulous preparations are evident, as the 47.3-meter tall ZhuQue-2E was transported to the launch pad following successful static fire tests of its second stage. This testing process validated not just the rocket’s subsystems but also the intricate propellant loading processes necessary for a stable launch sequence. With upgraded features, including the TQ-15A vacuum-optimized engine designed to be reignitable in orbit, the ZQ rocket family is set for a wider array of missions, enhancing adaptability in an ever-evolving space landscape.
On the other side of the globe, SpaceX continues its relentless launch cadence, with multiple Falcon 9 missions planned throughout the week. The first of these, Starlink Group 12-1, marked a historic achievement as it became the 400th orbital mission flown by Falcon 9. Launching in the early hours on November 25, this mission also set a new record for booster turnaround time, with Falcon booster B1080 managing a rapid turnaround of just 13 days and 12 hours, shattering the previous record of 21 days. Such remarkable efficiency underscores SpaceX’s operational prowess and commitment to expanding satellite internet access globally.
As for upcoming SpaceX missions, the Falcon 9 is set to launch another batch of Starlink satellites on November 26, aiming to bolster its v2 Mini satellite constellation. This mission is pivotal as SpaceX ramps up its initiatives to connect underserved regions around the world to high-speed internet. Following this, another Falcon 9 launch for classified purposes is planned, likely involving the National Reconnaissance Office’s Starshield satellites. The liftoff is set for November 30, showcasing the dual-use capability of SpaceX’s technology.
Concurrently, from Russia, the Soyuz 2.1b rocket is anticipated to launch the Cosmos 2580 mission, featuring a Lotos-S satellite that forms part of an essential electronic intelligence system. Scheduled for November 27, the mission emphasizes Russia’s commitment to maintaining a robust surveillance framework. The Liana system, designed to intercept and analyze radar and electromagnetic signals, remains vital for military intelligence, further reflecting how space endeavors intertwine with national security interests.
Moreover, after the ZhuQue-2E launch, the Chang Zheng 12 rocket is expected to make its maiden flight from the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Center, which is a noteworthy development in China’s commercial launch capabilities. The advancements in the YF-100K engines, alongside the vehicle’s ability to carry substantial payloads to low-Earth orbit or Sun-synchronous orbits, indicate a strategic focus on enhancing China’s position in the global space arena.
This week in space sees not just the launch of hardware but also the unveiling of human aspiration, technological progress, and the complex interplay of international relations that shapes our ventures beyond Earth. Each launch tells a story of our collective drive to explore and utilize the cosmos for the betterment of life on our home planet.