The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) has successfully completed testing of its new reusable rocket engine. This technological leap demonstrates the rapid development of the Celestial Empire’s space programme.
CASC specialists have developed a unique 130-tonne reusable liquid-propellant rocket engine fuelled by oxygen and paraffin. It is designed to be installed on advanced launch vehicles ready for reuse, including the Changzheng-10 model. According to Chinese state media, the two main firing tests were concluded last Saturday, 13 April. The engineering team conducted 15 retests and 30 runs of this engine, with a cumulative run time of more than 3,900 seconds. This figure represents a new record for the country. The developers emphasise the high reliability and great potential of the development. In order to ensure the effectiveness of the engine as a reusable unit, it was necessary for the team to master technologies for a wide range of thrust adjustment. Furthermore, the team simplified the engine’s maintenance and life assessment procedures, thus ensuring the unit’s long life and reusability.
CASC officials have noted that the key aspects of building reusable rockets are to ensure precision landing on re-entry, landing stability, durability of the design, and the ability to be repaired quickly for subsequent flights.
China’s rapid progress in space is part of its efforts to surpass the United States as the world’s leading space power. While NASA relies heavily on SpaceX technology, China is developing its own public and private projects. According to recent reports, the People’s Republic of China intends to make the first test flights of its two state-owned reusable rockets in 2025 and 2026. One of the aforementioned rockets is the Changzheng-10, which is anticipated to facilitate China’s inaugural lunar expedition in the near future.
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