LM-4B Sends Tianhui 2 Satellite into Orbit

Two satellites were sent into space aboard a LM-4B launch vehicle from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center at 06:25 Beijing time on April 30. The Tianhui 2 satellite was placed to a SSO orbit. This was the 303rd launch of the LM series launch vehicle and the first mission of the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology in 2019.

LM-4B is a liquid launch vehicle which was developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology. It is capable of launching various satellites into different orbits, one or multiple at one launch. To meet the requirement of tandem layout for the two satellites and satellite envelope, the rocket body used a two-satellite tandem configuration with a 3.35 m diameter fairing in addition to a 3.35 m diameter transition bay for the first time.

On May 10, 1999, the LM-4B launch vehicle made its debut and successfully launched the FY-1C and Shijian 5 satellites into orbit precisely. The LM-4B and LM-4C carrier rockets conducted 6 flight missions during 2018 and are scheduled to conduct about 10 missions this year.

The Tianhui 2 satellite was developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology. (YANG Cheng/ China Space News)

Tianhui 2 satellite is being launched by a LM-4B carrier rocket Photo: ZHOU Xiaosong