China's rocket engine test sets new thrust record
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Apr 30, 2024
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp, the country's key space contractor, conducted a critical test on Sunday on a new type of rocket engine, achieving the highest thrust power ever achieved in tests of Chinese liquid-propellant engines.

The test involved a combined ignition of four engines at an engine testing facility in Fengxian county, Shaanxi province. These engines were connected and initiated simultaneously to test the design and performance of the propulsion system for a new model of carrier rocket. This event was overseen by the Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology, a CASC subsidiary in Shaanxi and a principal manufacturer of liquid-propellant rocket engines in China.

The academy noted that these new engines represent the latest development in the YF-100 series, utilizing liquid oxygen and kerosene. Each engine produces a thrust of 130 metric tons, with the four engines together generating a total thrust exceeding 500 tons. This level of performance surpasses previous tests of liquid-propellant engines, according to the academy.

Li Bin, a deputy head of the Xi'an academy and chief designer of its liquid oxygen/kerosene engines, commented on the results of the test. "The operational compatibility among the four engines and their working reliability in the simulated liftoff scenario were examined," he said.

Li added that the new engine model performed well and is now ready for actual deployment. Designers of the engine also revealed that it will be used to power a new rocket in the Long March series, which is the predominant launch vehicle fleet in the country.

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