Gazing at the towering structure before us, can you imagine the sheer ingenuity and dedication contained within these walls? This is the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, or CALT. It is a cornerstone of China’s space program. Let’s embark on a journey to uncover the story of this remarkable institution.
CALT’s story begins in 1957. Dr. Xue-Sen Qian established it. CALT is headquartered in the Fengtai District of Beijing. From its humble beginnings, CALT has grown into a major force in the aerospace industry.
CALT is a subsidiary of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. It is a key player in both civilian and military space endeavors. Its primary contribution has been the development of the Long March family of rockets. These rockets have been instrumental in launching satellites and manned missions into space.
Currently, Long Lehao holds the position of Chief Designer. Under his guidance, CALT continues to push the boundaries of space exploration. The academy employs over 33,000 people. Each one plays a vital role in the design, manufacture, and launch of space vehicles.
Did you know that CALT is planning to develop spaceplanes? One concept involves a 4-passenger plane. It would fly to 100 km at Mach 6. Another would be a 20-passenger plane. That would fly to 130 km at Mach 8. These spaceplanes could revolutionize space access.
CALT’s work extends beyond rockets and spaceplanes. It also involves research and development in various fields. These include liquid rocket engines and control systems. The academy consists of thirteen research institutes and several factories. This allows it to cover all aspects of launch vehicle technology.
In August 2020, the United States Department of Defense included CALT on a list of “Communist Chinese military companies”. Later that year, President Donald Trump issued an executive order. This prohibited U.S. companies and individuals from investing in CALT.
CALT has several subsidiaries. China Energine and China Rocket are among them. China Rocket developed the Jielong 1. These subsidiaries contribute to CALT’s diverse range of capabilities.
As we stand here, let’s appreciate the significance of the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. It represents China’s ambition. It also shows its commitment to space exploration. CALT’s innovations will continue to shape the future of space travel for years to come.