Analysis of Chinese Cryogenic Long March Launch Vehicles and YF-100 Liquid Rocket Engine
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Analysis of Chinese Cryogenic Long March Launch Vehicles and YF-100 Liquid Rocket Engine Thesis Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Kayleigh Elizabeth Gordon, B.S. Graduate Program in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering The Ohio State University 2018 Thesis Committee: John M. Horack, Advisor Caroline Wagner Elizabeth K. Newton Copyright by Kayleigh Elizabeth Gordon 2018 Abstract This research synthesizes the technical capabilities of the currently developing fleet of Chinese liquid fuel launch vehicles, specifically the Long March 5, 6, and 7 families. This thesis articulates the types of missions each rocket has performed, and where each launch vehicle may be applied for future missions. Other topics included are the technical strengths and limitations of each launch vehicle, such as payload weights and achievable orbits. Additionally, the types of payloads are considered when determining which rocket family would be best for launching Chang’e lunar orbiters, the Tiangong space stations, and human spaceflight missions, etc. To better understand the way these launch vehicles operate and how they were designed, an in- depth analysis of the YF-100 engine is carried out. This engine is used on the first stage and boosters of the Long March 5, Long March 6, and Long March 7 vehicles so the analysis of this engine is the foundation for gaining insight into how the Chinese design and develop their space flight capabilities. This research differs from other work in that it gathers publicly available data and compares that data with engineering analysis to determine if China’s advertised capabilities are realistic. Furthermore, this research puts the technical capabilities of the Chinese launch vehicles into perspective both domestically and internationally. This thesis provides background on the Chinese space program which includes a broad understanding of who is involved in space activities, what those activities entail, where these vehicles are launched from, when the Chinese made significant i developments in their capabilities, and why the Chinese are interested in participating in this industry. These three launch vehicles are also put into perspective within the international space launch vehicle industry. A price comparison of light, medium, and heavy lift launch vehicles are gathered to determine where the Chinese would need to price their new launch vehicles to be competitive if they were to sell them to international customers. This thesis combines an understanding of the technical capabilities of the Long March 5, Long March 6, and Long March 7 launch vehicles within the context of the Chinese space program and international launch vehicle industry to give a comprehensive understanding of China’s involvement in space activities. ii Acknowledgements There are many people that I would like to thank for their help and support throughout my time in graduate school. Its completion is thanks in large part to the special people who challenged, supported, and stuck with me along the way. I am tremendously fortunate to have committee members John Horack, Elizabeth Newton, and Caroline Wagner who have brought a depth of knowledge that few could match. I thank them for supporting this research and giving such thoughtful feedback, always aimed at moving me forward. I have learned a great deal both academically and professionally from these advisors, and I appreciate their guidance, time, and support. I would also like to thank my mentors at OSTP for teaching me the importance of understanding both the technical content and policy context to develop the full picture which inspired the scope of my research. I would also like to thank my friends and family for their encouragement and support throughout my time in graduate school. iii Vita 2012 ……………………………………….... Centerville High School 2015 ……………………………………….... Flight Control Intern, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) 2016 ……………………………………….... B.S. Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, The Ohio State University 2016 ……………………………………….... Flight Control Intern, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) 2016 to 2017 ………………………………… Graduate Teaching Associate, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University 2017 to present ……………………………… Graduate Research Associate, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University 2017 to present ……………………………… Graduate Research Associate, Battelle Center for Science, Engineering, and Public Policy, The Ohio State University 2017 ……………………………………….... Policy Intern, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Publications Gordon, K. et al. (2017). Technical Capabilities of Chinese Launch Vehicles. Paper presented at International Astronautical Congress. Adelaide, Australia: IAC 2017 Technical Programme. Fields of Study Major Field: Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering Minor Field: Public Policy and Management iv Table of Contents Abstract ............................................................................................................................ i Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................... iii Vita ................................................................................................................................... iv List of Tables .................................................................................................................... vii List of Figures ................................................................................................................... ix Chapter 1: Chinese Space Program Overview ................................................................... 1 1.1 Key Agents within the Chinese Space Program ..................................................... 2 1.2 New Family of Liquid Cryogenic Launch Vehicles ............................................... 9 1.3 Launch Center Locations and Purposes .................................................................. 13 1.4 History and Future Timeline of Long March Launch Vehicle Family .................... 16 1.5 Motivation for Analyzing the Chinese Space Program ........................................... 21 Chapter 2: Technical Capabilities of Chinese Cryogenic Launch Vehicles ........................ 24 2.1 Long March 5 ...................................................................................................... 24 2.2 Long March 6 ...................................................................................................... 30 2.3 Long March 7 ...................................................................................................... 35 2.4 Summary of New Family of Chinese Liquid Cryogenic Launch Vehicles ............. 41 Chapter 3: YF-100 Engine Analysis .................................................................................. 43 3.1 Background on the YF-100 Engine ........................................................................ 43 3.2 General Characteristics of the YF-100 ................................................................... 46 3.3 Design Estimates ................................................................................................... 59 3.4 Conclusions of the YF-100 Engine Analysis .......................................................... 71 v Chapter 4: Comparison to International Competitors ......................................................... 73 4.1 International Light Lift Launch Vehicles ............................................................... 74 4.2 International Medium Lift Launch Vehicles........................................................... 75 4.3 International Heavy Lift Launch Vehicles.............................................................. 77 Chapter 5: Summary ......................................................................................................... 79 Chapter 6: Areas for Future Investigation .......................................................................... 81 References ........................................................................................................................ 83 Appendix A: Technical Parameter Calculations MATLAB Code ...................................... 90 Appendix B: Change in Velocity and Specific Impulse Calculations MATLAB Code ....... 103 Appendix C: YF-100 Design Calculations MATLAB Code .............................................. 109 Appendix D: Price Comparison Plots MATLAB Code ...................................................... 113 vi List of Tables Table 1. Technical parameters of the Long March 5 strap-on boosters ........................... 25 Table 2. Technical parameters of the Long March 5 first stage ...................................... 26 Table 3. Technical parameters of the Long March 5 second stage.................................. 27 Table 4. Dimensions of the Long March 5 optional YZ-2 upper stage ........................... 28 Table 5. Dimensions of the Long March 5 payload fairing ............................................ 28 Table 6. Summary of masses for each stage of the Long March 5 .................................. 30 Table 7. Technical parameters of the Long March 6 first stage ...................................... 31 Table 8. Technical parameters of the Long March 6 second stage.................................. 32 Table 9. Technical parameters of the Long March 6 third stage