China unveils new prototype of FT-1 solid rocket launch truck for small satellite or ICBM missile ?.

The goal of this new Chinese-made project is to offer a mobile solution able to make an emergency launch of a small satellite using a trailer truck. The FT-1 mainly offers launch service for domestic and international small satellite with 300kg level or below.

It has the characteristics of high orbital injection precision, low cost, easy structure, high mobility, rapid launch, high reliability, and short production cycle.

The Chinese FT-1 provides a fully loaded launch vehicle with rocket used to put a small payload into orbit without the need for a big, complex launch facility. The FT-1 would theoretically offer a number of benefits, including getting ahead of launch site weather conditions and reducing costs.

For the FT-1, a solid-fuel rocket is fitted in a tractor trailer and can be launched from just about anywhere. Russia has also developed a similar system able to launch ballistic missile. Solid fuel is the propellant of choice for military systems because it is easier to store and use than the liquid-fuel alternative.

The new Russian truck-container missile system, known as Club-K carries four ground-to-sea and sea-to-sea ballistic missiles. That camouflage makes very difficult to identify the missile shuttles stored inside the containers.

Maybe China could use this solution to develop or improve its ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile) force with a mobile station able to make launch operations from anywhere in the country, and quickly leaving the launch pad.

Launch sites of ICBM are generally big, fixed installations that are vulnerable to attack, while a mobile solution can reduce the vulnerability from a fire or counter attacks.