CCTV9英语新闻：New sounding rocket successfully launched in China（在线收听）

Chinese Academy of Sciences successfully launched a new sounding rocket, “Kunpeng-1B,” in Hainan Danzhou early Wednesday. The rocket reached a flight height of 300 kilometers for the first time. Its arrow configuration of altitude control system and carbon fiber stretching rod are being used for the first time in China.

This is the first time Kunpeng 1B’s arrow configuration of altitude control system and carbon fiber stretching rod has been used on a sounding rocket in China. It makes the detector more flexible and lightweight. 

The rocket’s falling ball experiment detection for further study of low latitudes in the ionosphere and in the upper atmosphere has important scientific significance. Compared to other space detection methods, sounding rockets are cost effective and have short development cycles.

“In the 13th Five Year Plan, we are planning to launch one or two every year from this site. In the future, we may also develop a special probe. This will also recycle, as its recovery can open doors for life science experiments and microgravity science experiments,” said Wu Ji, Director of National Space Science Center.