Launch Services Program Management: A Long March Case

Paper number

IAC-13,D2,2,4,x20069

Author

Mr. Yuan SI, China Great Wall Industry Corporation, China

Coauthor

Ms. Xin CHENG, China Great Wall Industry Corporation, China

Coauthor

Mr. Ye YUAN, China Great Wall Industry Corporation, China

Coauthor

Ms. Jie DING, China Great Wall Industry Corporation, China

Year

2013

Abstract

With half century’s development, Chinese Long March launch vehicles’ technology matures step by step, and is now recognized as one of the most reliable launch vehicles in the world. As of today, the Long March launch vehicles have entered the international market for 23 years. In order to ensure that a launch mission could proceed in accordance with the industry practice, China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), acting as the only Chinese Long March launch services provider, has implemented an effective approach with the experiences accumulated in the past 23 years. 

This paper outlines the Long March launch services program management, including schedule planning, technical meetings/reviews, document control, technical security and flight mission analysis. For a typical Long March launch services program, after a launch services contract is entered into force, the spacecraft and launch vehicle’s technical interface coordination is always the focus of a launch services program. The Chinese launch services provider partners with its global partners of spacecraft manufactures and satellite operators/government entities in this process and summarized an efficient method to accomplish the technical coordination. Before the spacecraft could be successfully sent into its predetermined orbit, the launch campaign is the last key milestone a launch services program must achieve. The Long March launch campaign for Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit satellite is generally conducted at Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC) located in southwest of China. The Chinese launch services provider, together with its domestic and international spacecraft working team, will stay at the Xichang city area around 40 days, for the final preparation of both the spacecraft and launch vehicle. 

This paper also gives the current status of the Long March launch vehicles and the launch sites of China.

Abstract document

IAC-13,D2,2,4,x20069.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-13,D2,2,4,x20069.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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