The Long March 3B was the most powerful Long March launch vehicle. It could inject a 5,000 kg payload into geosynchronous transfer orbit. The CZ-3B was developed on the basis of the CZ-3A, but had enlarged propellant tanks, larger fairing, and four boosters strapped onto the core stage. The CZ-3B boosters were identical to those of the CZ-3A.
Manufacturer: CALT. Launches: 7. Failures: 1. Success Rate: 85.71%. First Launch Date: 1996-02-14. Last Launch Date: 2006-10-28. Launch data is: continuing. LEO Payload: 11 200 kg (24 600 lb). to: 200 km Orbit. at: 28.50 degrees. Payload: 5 100 kg (11 200 lb). to a: Geosynchronous transfer trajectory. Apogee: 40 000 km (24 000 mi). Associated Spacecraft: AS 2100, FS-1300, Spacebus 3000 . Liftoff Thrust: 2 980.000 kN (669 930 lbf). Total Mass: 425 800 kg (938 700 lb). Core Diameter: 3.35 m (10.99 ft). Total Length: 54.80 m (179.70 ft). Launch Price $: 70.000 million. in: 1999 price dollars.
For more information:
- http://www.astronautix.com/lvs/cz3b.htm
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_program_of_China#Launch_vehicles
Author(s): Iloeta Baxter (unknown date prior to 2007 December 31)
