China Finalizes Preliminary Works on Long March 5 Rocket Engine

China's preliminary works on the engine system of the Long March 5 (LM-5) next-generation carrier rocket have been completed.

The different types of preparatory works on the Long March 5 (Changzheng 5) engines have been completed, China’s PLA (People’s Liberation Army) Daily reported Saturday.

The heavy lift launch system was expected to be ready for use in the second half of 2016, a representative of China’s manned space program said.

The first launch is planned to take place from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center. Long March 5 also known as Changzheng 5 (CZ-5) is developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).