China is studying the feasibility of using the Long March 3B
carrier rocket for the country's second-stage moon mission of lunar
landing, a spokesman for the China National Space Administration
said yesterday.
The Long March 3B carrier rocket is from the same family as the
Long March 3A on which Chang'e I was launched. It boasts "strong
thrust power", Pei Zhaoyu, the spokesman, told a press
conference.
Long March 3B is the most powerful carrier rocket developed by
China. It can send 5.1 tons of payload into the geosynchronous
orbit.
The 3B rockets have successfully launched large satellites,
including Mabuhay, ChinaStar-1 and SinoSat-1.
Pei said the next generation Long March 5 rockets, which use
pollution-free fuels, will not be ready for launch until after
2012.
Earlier reports said Long March 5 rockets shall be able to send
14 tons of payload into the geosynchronous orbit.
(Xinhua News Agency November 6, 2007)