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China's iSpace JD-2 Reusable Engine Tests for SQX-3 Rocket Successful
China's iSpace JD-2 Reusable Engine Tests for SQX-3 Rocket Successful
Commercial rocket firm Beijing Interstellar Glory Space Technology Ltd., also known as iSpace, successfully completed a high-altitude 200-second long-range hot test assessment of its Jiao Dian Two (JD-2) liquid oxygen methane engine on August 1, 2024. The JD-2 engine is a self-developed main engine for i-Space’s medium to large reusable liquid carrier rocket, named SQX-3.
The JD-2 engine has met the longest working time requirement for the SQX-3 reusable launch vehicle. This recent test series has verified the performance and reliability of the JD-2 engine in an extended working state with the combustion chamber pressure exceeding 111% of the rated condition. This was the eighth hot test assessment for the JD-2 engine, effectively validating its reusability performance. This marks a major milestone for the JD-2 engine's design goals.
JD-2 incorporates technologies like torch ignition, 3D printing, fully electric valves, and intelligent fault diagnosis. It is currently the most advanced domestically developed liquid oxygen methane rocket engine with the highest thrust.
iSpace made history as the first privately-funded Chinese company to reach orbit in 2019 with the solid-fueled Hyperbola-1 rocket.
In addition to iSpace, other Chinese companies, such as Galactic Energy and CAS Space, are conducting similar tests of reusable rocket engines.
China opened up its space sector to private and commercial activity in 2014.
China's Tiangong space station is expected to provide an opportunity for commercial launch vehicles to gain contracts to deliver cargo.
Additionally, China's Guowang low-Earth orbit (LEO) broadband satellite megaconstellation (described as an expanded Chinese version of Starlink) is also expected to provide many valuable opportunities for commercial ventures.
Video Credit: China National Space Administration (CNSA) Watcher
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