China Makes Progress in Developing Reusable Carrier Rockets

China Makes Progress in Developing Reusable Carrier Rockets

China successfully completed two consecutive ignition tests of a 130-tonne reusable liquid oxygen-kerosene engine on Friday, April 12, 2024, laying the foundation for maiden flights of reusable carrier rockets, said the Sixth Academy of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CASC).

Chinese engineers have overcome many technical difficulties in developing a new engine for reusable rockets. It underwent its 30th ignition test on Friday.

The engine is known as the heart of rocket that produces thrust for the lift-off. How to develop a reusable engine that can make the rocket land accurately, be more durable, and easier to repair are among the most daunting challenges facing Chinese researchers.

"First of all, it [the engine] has to be used for a long time or for multiple ignitions. The most important thing is that we must figure out the lifespan of every component and the entire machine after extremely accurate adjustment, which cannot be achieved through simulation. The only way is to have constant test runs," said Song Yaqing, who is in charge of digitalization for the liquid oxygen-kerosene engine at the 11th Institute of the Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology (Sixth Academy) of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).

Another major problem the research team need to resolve is using what kind of materials and how to control the manufacturing process to produce an engine with high technical standards and reliable quality.

"Focusing on the requirement of technical indicators including repeatability, durability and reliability of the reusable engine, we have tackled a series of key issues and carried out a series of research projects. There were nearly 70 major research projects, which have greatly improved the technological level and stability of our engine's manufacturing process, and ensured the consistency and reliability of our products' quality," said Liu Chaofeng, a senior engineer at Xi'an Aerospace Engine Company of CASC Sixth Academy.

Video Credit: China Global Television Network (CGTN)

Duration: 1 minute

Release Date: April 14, 2024

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