The Long March rocket from China’s space programme arrives by barge at North Point, Hong Kong, in 1996. Photo: David Wong
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https://scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/short-reads/article/3203130/when-hong-kong-played-host-chinese-long-march-rocket-pride-chinese-space-programme Short Reads
When Hong Kong played host to a Chinese Long March rocket – the pride of the Chinese space programme
- The 50-metre rocket had to be moved through Hong Kong’s streets to its display site, at a cost of HK$5 million at the time
- Despite some accidents and fatalities, the Long March II rocket was considered the peak of Chinese space technology in its era
A Chinese Long March rocket on display in Hong Kong’s Victoria Park. Photo: Dustin Shum
“The first visit of a full-sized Chinese Long March rocket to [visit] Hong Kong in December will pose a huge problem – getting it through the streets to its show site,” reported the South China Morning Post on August 14, 1996.
“The 50-metre Long March II – about equivalent to 28 people on top of each other – will be a highlight of the Trade and Industry Expo organised by the Eastern District Commerce and Industry Association in Victoria Park between December 14 and January 26.
“‘We thought we could invite some aerospace companies to display their products in the hi-tech pavilion,’ said organising committee secretary Choy So-yuk. ‘Borrowing’ the rocket from the Ministry of Aerospace would cost at least $3 million in transport and insurance expenses, 60 mainland [Chinese] aerospace and transport officials to put it together on site and the help of the police and the Urban Council to get it there.
“The rocket will be carried in three five-metre high, six-metre wide sections, the longest about 30 metres, by barge from Zhuhai and by 40-tonne truck from Chai Wan pier. Once installed, visitors will be able to peek inside – though there will be nothing in it as there will be no precision instruments or fuel.”
On December 9, 1996, the Post reported that “the pride of China’s space programme will arrive in the territory in the next few days at a cost of more than $5 million.
“Despite at least five explosions since 1992, with the last accident in Xichang, Sichuan, in February this year costing six lives from falling debris, the Long March space programme is touted as China’s biggest scientific achievement,” the report said.
The rocket went on display in Victoria Park, Causeway Bay, on December 14.