China has successfully tested a new propulsion system designed for its future lunar missions, marking a major milestone in its ambitious space program.
This ground test, which took place on June 14, 2024, is a key step towards the nation’s goal of establishing a research base on the Moon by 2030.
The new engine system, consisting of three YF-100K engines, is designed for installation in the first stage Long March – 10 a rocket expected to carry over 27 tons of payload to Earth-to-Moon transfer orbit.
Pioneering test of the Long March-10 rocket
The test was the largest engine test ever conducted for a Chinese missile under development. During the test, the engines produced a ground thrust of 382 tons, significantly higher than previous tests and about 1.6 times greater than the largest tests performed previously.
The Long March – 10 designed to be 92.5 meters tall and weigh approximately 2,189 tons at launch, the rocket boasts a powerful thrust of 2,678 tons. This remarkable thrust capability will allow it to carry a heavier payload to the Moon compared to its predecessor, the Long March – 5, which could carry over 8 tons of payload during the ongoing Chang’e-6 mission. The Long March-10 design reflects China’s determination to improve its launch capabilities for more ambitious space missions.
According to China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC)The propulsion system test verified the compatibility between the sub-level fuel delivery system and the engine, refueling process, multi-engine parallel power transmission and environmental characteristics.
“This test means that the Long March 10 series launch vehicle is entering the fast lane for the development of large-scale ground tests,” a CASC representative said. The successful test of the YF-100K engines critical to the Long March-10 first stage represents a significant technical achievement and paves the way for more complex tests and eventual mission readiness.
Strategic importance and future tests
The Long March – 10 the rocket is a critical part of China’s manned lunar landing mission, which is designed to send both spacecraft and a lunar lander. Its impressive specifications include an overall length of 92.5 meters, a take-off weight of 2,189 tons and a payload capacity of no less than 27 tons per Earth-Moon transfer orbit.
These abilities represent a significant upgrade over the previous ones Chinese rocketswhich allows for larger payloads to be transported to the Moon, which is necessary to establish a sustainable lunar presence.
Powerful rocket first stage, powered by three YF-100K enginesit is specially designed to handle the immense stresses of launch and provide the necessary thrust to break free from Earth’s gravity. YF-100K enginesknown for their high performance and reliability, they are a key element in achieving the ambitious payload capabilities of the Long March-10.
The next step in development Long March – 10 it includes a second ground test of the first stage propulsion system, which is due to take place soon. This test will further verify other operating conditions and ensure the robustness and reliability of the system in different scenarios. The successful completion of these tests is key to laying a solid foundation for the project to land a human crew on the Moon, with preparations for the first flight expected to begin in 2027.
Broader implications for China’s space program
This successful test is not only a technological triumph, but also a strategic advance for the company China’s space ambitions. The new high-thrust engine and Long March-10 launch vehicle are part of a broader effort to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon. This development is in line with China’s plans to strengthen its space exploration capabilities and its strategic goals for lunar exploration and resource exploitation.
Except Long March – 10China is also actively developing other spacecraft and lunar landers to support its mission to land a human crew on the moon. The progress with the high-thrust engine is a testament to China’s growing expertise and determination to lead in the space exploration arena. These advances not only strengthen China’s position in the international space community, but also contribute to the global knowledge base and technological progress in space exploration.
The Long March – 10 the rocket, with its enhanced capabilities, is poised to play a key role in a variety of missions, including transporting taikonauts and cargo to the space station. The rocket’s boosterless configuration can handle low-Earth orbit missions with payloads of no less than 14 tons, demonstrating its versatility and strategic importance in China’s broader space ambitions.