Long March-2E, China's First High-thrust Strap-on Rocket, Blasts off

The Long March-2E, China's first high-thrust strap-on rocket, is launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Southwest China's Sichuan province on July 16, 1990. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]

Long March-2E, China's first high-thrust strap-on rocket, blasts off

The Long March-2E, China's first high-thrust strap-on rocket, was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Southwest China's Sichuan province on July 16, 1990.

It delivered a simulation satellite and a Pakistani science experiment satellite into orbit.

Generally developed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the Long March-2E can carry 9.2 tons of weight at low orbit and 4.8 tons at synchronous orbit.

It was the first time China had made breakthroughs in 36 key technologies including the bonding characteristics of boosters, the propellant utilization system and a large-scale launch pad. The Long March-2E promoted the "going global" of China's carrier rockets into the international launching market.

China's first high-speed ambulance train begins trials at Wanquan West Power Supply Zone on July 16, 2014

The Overhead Contact System Multi-role Work Vehicle, the world's fastest and China's first high-speed ambulance train, began trials at the Wanquan West Power Supply Zone on July 16, 2014.

The speed of the train can be as high as 160 kilometers per hour.

Manufactured by CRRC Corporation Limited, the train is equipped with double diesel-driven units - a high-speed and a low-speed unit, which give it fast and slow operation modes by switching between fluid drive and hydraulic transmission systems.

The two modes guarantee the train can operate safely under various conditions such as on slopes, in tunnels and when seemingly blocked by snow and ice.

(Executive editor: Hao Wen)