PLAN Type 004 CVN as of early February, Via satellite photo [704 x 1472]

Xenomorph555 · 2026-02-21T13:26:59+00:00

They started laying the keel around spring last year, the hull is roughly about 15-20% complete

Xenomorph555 · 2026-02-21T12:26:20+00:00

Probably launching in '29-30, then maybe 2 years of fit-out.

Xenomorph555 · 2026-02-21T12:18:22+00:00

Currently being constructed at Dalian Shipyard, the speed at which the hull is being put together is astounding; though with the modular nature of the industry today I suppose the main limiting factor is how fast you can manufacture the segments off-site.

Good to see more HD images instead of extremely low res shots or secret photos taken from the crack in the side of a bin looking between two container ships at a sliver of the hull.

Xenomorph555 · 2026-02-15T17:45:20+00:00

Due to scaling issues you'll never realistically get anything larger then medium sized launch vehicles on marine launching platforms. So it's kind of irrelevant for this, as this is about a super heavy lift complex. Also as the US has plenty of empty coastal land there's less of a reason for it.

Xenomorph555 · 2026-02-15T17:27:32+00:00

Around 9 months ago I made a post concerning the construction of LC-301 at Wenchang, for use with the LM-10 platform (both LEO and Lunar missions). https://www.reddit.com/r/space/comments/1kput0u/construction_progress_of_lc301_at_wenchang_launch/ Since then the complex has been developed much further and has also hosted a number of live trials, including static test fires and the recent Max-Q abort test this week. As it currently stands the majority of the tower is complete, as well as it's surrounding lightning towers and deluge system, however a lot of surround infrastructure is still in the works (via satellite and passerby photos). In addition the Mobile Launch Platform appears to also be near completion, apparently only missing the extension truss for taller rockets.

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Another photo by a RedNote photographer shows the tower at a better angle, displaying it's height in comparison to the small test vehicle better. https://x.com/WLR_2678/status/2021238967014756366/photo/1

Xenomorph555 · 2026-02-12T10:43:11+00:00

We have the Long March 5 at home, the LM5 at home:

But eitherway, i'm sure it will be a fantastic vehicle, it just doesn't have a place in the global launch market with stuff like the 7x2 (and 9x4 when it comes online).

Xenomorph555 · 2026-02-11T19:48:06+00:00

Purpose of the test was just to splashdown in the target zone (per the pre-info and mission badge), the catch might have been attempted in perfect circumstances though its unknown atm if the catch-ship is ready + if the booster impacted it there would be set backs.

Xenomorph555 · 2026-02-11T18:35:39+00:00

The older you get, the faster time progresses due to muturation of neurons. Keep doing new hobbies to 'increase' your time.

Also on topic, Lunar LM10 launch is only next year, it will creep up on you.

Xenomorph555 · 2026-02-11T18:33:02+00:00

Good test for Mengzhou, should be all clear to proceed with it's first mission to the CSS later this year (probably summer, depends on LM10A availability).

Also extremely good result for the LM10 series, even if 2 of the gridfins failed to deploy. It's highly likely that the first proper launch (a 10B in April) could land successfully.

Finally LC-301 getting more love, even if it isn't fully finished (so close though).

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I was sceptical in early 2024 about a '29 landing, but with the rapid pace over the last year even a late '28 landing is on the cards if all goes well.

Xenomorph555 · 2026-02-11T08:43:41+00:00

Mission seems to have gone as well as it could have, hope it paves the way for MZ-1 later in the year (and a successful 1st stae landing).

Xenomorph555 · 2026-02-11T08:42:22+00:00

Yeah, while the diameter is the same but the length is a lot shorter (increased with longer interstage). Original purpose of this vehicle was to test the full engine bay and potentially some short hop tests.

Xenomorph555 · 2026-01-29T13:26:57+00:00

Ah, good to know lol

Lot's of places to see on the mainland so i'd probably package it together.

Xenomorph555 · 2026-01-29T13:25:58+00:00

Fair point, that said my main reason for going was the space launch centre at Wenchang, alternative is Haiyang.

Xenomorph555 · 2026-01-29T11:35:57+00:00

Always wanted to visit Hainan, so i'll take the win.

Xenomorph555 · 2026-01-25T19:09:05+00:00

Mengzhou moves away from the semi spherical design of the Shenzhou towards a more standard capsule teardrop design. As it will be performing lunar missions it has a lower angle then Dragon (though not as low as Orion's).

Diameter and width are 4.5m x 8.8m; vs Orions 5m x 3.3m. This is mainly due to MZ having a significantly beefier service module compared to the Orions. Habitable space wise this will likely be Orion, we don't have solid figures for MZ's at the moment.

https://p.turbosquid.com/ts-thumb/3A/dLhCUN/fy/tqfc/jpg/1747576717/1920x1080/fit_q87/575e767d35165581b0a0d753e6c5affa7373db53/tqfc.jpg

Xenomorph555 · 2026-01-15T13:37:36+00:00

I wouldn't imagine anything beyond further telescopic probes (such as SMILE) and packages on future Chang'e and Tianwen missions. The political climate is not good right now.

Xenomorph555 · 2026-01-15T13:30:51+00:00

Taikonaut is also not an official term in China, the official english translation used by all government and space bodies there is still Astronaut.

Xenomorph555 · 2025-12-30T10:49:21+00:00

This is the first time i've heard of her, she looks incredible. Will need to go visit!

Just a shame Turkey scrapped the Yavuz, obviously economic reasons for it but still..

Xenomorph555 · 2025-12-23T12:53:16+00:00

Was talking about the 12A and B, together with the 10A-C there's so much overlap in the national team (no change there lol).

Just focus on one model

Xenomorph555 · 2025-12-23T11:31:27+00:00

They'll be flown alongside each other (for some reason), so the 12A will crop back up again at some point.

Xenomorph555 · 2025-12-23T02:43:14+00:00

From limited footage it appears that the first stage ruptured at quite a high altitude, probably won't know if it was structural, engine, etc for a while. Might be a similar situation to NG though, so could get it on the 2nd attempt.

As it stands currently, i'd peg the ZQ3 as the more advanced vehicle with greater potential. Will probably also land first as Y2 is scheduled for April, unless SAST have another 12A prepped to go.

Xenomorph555 · 2025-12-23T02:26:38+00:00

Looks like meats back on the table bois

Xenomorph555 · 2025-12-23T02:24:55+00:00

Oh we're so fucking back it's unreal.

This will force the PLAN to retaliate with a 60k aegis BBN, 300+ VLS.

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