The Smart Dragon 3 launch vehicle is a commercial carrier rocket based on the experience with the existing solid-fuel rocket Long March 11 to meet the growing market demand in China for launching commercial satellites to low and medium orbits. The carrier rocket has the characteristics of integral rocket storage, usable for both sea- and land-based launches, rapid response and cost-effectiveness. It is a solid carrier rocket with the largest lift capacity and the largest fairing envelope successfully flown domestically. This paper introduces the main technical index and overall scheme of the rocket. It also introduces the main difficulties encountered in the development of the rocket focusing on the aspects of the thermal emission at sea, the “Big hood” configuration and low commercial cost, as well as the interfaces with satellites. It is expected to provide a better commercial launch service for users through technological and economic integration.

The Kinetica-1 rocket is designed for small- and medium-sized spacecraft launch missions to sun-synchronous orbit and low Earth orbit. The maiden flight was performed on July 27, 2022. The inetica-1 rocket is characterized by competitive payload capability and cost, robust orbital nsertion accuracy, high reliability, availability at short notice and logistical versatility. 12 new core technologies have been achieved during the development of the rocket. It is of great significance in promoting the innovation of China’s solid carrier rocket technology and science exploration.

In this study, taking China’s Smart Dragon 3 solid launch vehicle, which made its first successful offshore launch on December 9, 2022, as an example, we focus on the technical characteristics and key technologies of various solid motors used for the launch vehicle. The current technological development status is introduced, and the key technologies needed for large solid motors are summarized. For comparison, we also list and analyze the technical characteristics of world-class P80 and P120C solid motors used in ESA’s Vega series of launch vehicles. On this basis, the development trends of large solid motors based on the requirements for launch vehicles is proposed, providing a reference for the development of large solid motor technology for future launch vehicles in China.

Based on current research, the development trend of reusable liquid rocket engines was analyzed. Key technologies and research focuses of the reusable liquid rocket engine have been analyzed and summarized, and then suggestions on the development of future key technologies are proposed.

Inspired by the mysteries of the universe, humans have been exploring outer space since the 1950s. 
Proceeding from 1-day (Shenzhou 5) to 6-month (Shenzhou 15) missions, one of the perspectives of Chinese space exploration has shifted from not just how to safely survive but to how to healthily live in outer space. In current review, we ntroduce some common psychological stressors during space missions and how researchers simulate these stressors on the ground firstly. Then, we briefly introduce classic and state-of-the-art measurements and tools used in measuring the mental state of crew members. Self-reporting questionnaires, behavioral observations, and computerized tests are widely used as measurement strategies in this field. We discuss, respectively, how challenging missions negatively and positively affect crew members. As psychological issues are sensitive to individual and cultural backgrounds, we focus on Chinese crew members and potential cultural differences. Finally, we propose some potential future directions this research could evolve based on previous findings.

In order to improve efficiency of the integrated test of a launch vehicle electrical system while meeting the requirement of high-density, a cloud test platform for the electrical system was designed based on a data-driven approach, using secure private cloud technology and virtualization technology. The platform has a general hardware and software rchitecture, which integrates the functions of graphical editing, automated testing, data processing, fault diagnosis and so on. It can realize multi-task parallel testing. Compared with the traditional test mode, the platform has obvious advantages on testing efficiency and effectiveness.