China tests liquid propellant rocket engine

Bejing. China has been actively developing space propulsion technology in recent years, with the most recent achievement being the successful ground firing tests of a 130-ton liquid oxygen and kerosene engine that will power the country’s reusable carrier rockets.

Developed by an institute under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the new reusable engine was fired twice on Friday at a test site in northwest China’s Shaanxi province.

So far it has completed a total of 15 repetitive tests characterized by 30 ignitions, with a cumulative test time exceeding 3,900 seconds. The number of repetitive tests on the engine has surpassed the previous record for the main liquid propellant rocket engine test in China, the developer said in a press release on Sunday.

As the primary propulsion system for China’s reusable rockets, the engine model features outstanding comprehensive capability and reliability.

The engine maker also highlighted advances in smart manufacturing, noting that the research and development group has established a key technology system to produce reusable engines.

This greatly improves the progress and stability of engine process technology, and ensures consistent product quality and reliability.