CZ-2D Space Launch Vehicle

The Long March 2D is a two-stage launch vehicle with storable propellant, suitable for launching a variety of LEO satellites. Developed and manufactured by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, the LM-2D has a typical payload capability of 3,500kg for a 200km×200km LEO. The CZ-2D is essentially a two stage version of the CZ-4 with a LEO payload capacity in excess of three metric tons. Its 1st stage is identical to that of the LM-4 and the second stage is essentially the same as that of the LM-4, except for the recently improved vehicle equipment bay.

The third CZ-2 variant, the CZ-2D, appeared with little forewarning on 9 August 1992 in conjunction with the maiden flight of the FSW-2 spacecraft. On August 9, 1992, the maiden flight of the LM-2D successfully sent one of China's new generation of recoverable satellites into orbit. On July 3, 1994, the LM-2D successfully launched another FSW-2 recoverable satellite from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center and on October 20, 1996, the LM-2D made its third flight, orbiting a recoverable satellite with a total success.

LM-2D

Background Information First Launch: August 1992 Flight Rate: 2-3 per year Launch Site: Xichang Space Launch Center, China Capability: 2,750 lb to GTO History Chinese rocket program started in the late 1950s Evolved from Chinese surface-to-surface series IRBMs LM-2E is enhanced version of the LM-2 Description Three-stage liquid fueled vehicle (including PAM-D upper stage) Stage 1 consists of four YF-20 motors burning UDMH/N2O4 providing a total thrust of 626,000 lb Stage 2 uses one YF-22 engine and four YF-23 verniers burning UDMH/N2O4 for a total thrust of 171,300 lb Stage 3 is a McDonnell Douglas PAM-D upper stage providing 66,700 lb of thrust Profile Length: 131 ft Launch Weight: 421,000 lb Diameter: 11 ft Liftoff Thrust: 626,000 lb Payload Fairing: 31.0 ft x 11.0 ft