[Satellite Today  07-03-07] China has made progress on the development of its Long March 5 rocket, citing development of the rocket engine and the building of a production plant, according to the Xinhua news agency.
    According to officials, the rocket’s 120-ton liquid oxygen-kerosene engine passed initial tests and would meet the requirements of providing low-Earth orbit and geosynchronous transfer orbit missions for the next 20 to 30 years.
    China has invested about 4.5 billion yuan ($657 million) in the production plant, and the first phase of construction is scheduled for completion at the end of 2009.
    The Long March 5 is expected to be in operation by 2014.