Next-gen Long March rocket takes record-breaking flight

The Long March-7 rocket blasts off, trailing a vast column of flame.[Photo/Xinhua]

Long March 7 is also the first Chinese carrier rocket developed completely through digital design technology and the first to be able to conduct launch in rain thanks to its water-proof designs.

The rocket will be used to transport the country's cargo spacecraft and manned spacecraft, the academy said.

Long March 7 is the third new-type carrier rocket that China has launched since September, after the Long March 6 and Long March 11, both of which performed their maiden flight that month.

No other countries have put as many as three different new rockets into service within just one year, so China has set a record in this field, experts said.

The heavy-lift Long March 5 will carry out its first launch before the end of the year, also at the Wenchang center.