China completes three rocket engine tests in one day, highlighting its capability to support high-frequency launches.
China achieved a significant milestone on Sunday by successfully completing three ignition tests for liquid oxygen-kerosene engines, as announced by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).
This marked the first time China conducted three ignition tests for two types of liquid oxygen-kerosene engines in a single day, demonstrating its capability to support the high-frequency launches planned for the Long March rocket series.
The tests included two 120-tonne engines and one 18-tonne engine, serving as pre-delivery acceptance checks to confirm that the engines meet the necessary standards before being assembled into rockets.
Rocket engine testing is a critical phase in the development process, involving numerous test types to ensure performance reliability and safety.
Additionally, the ignition tests were conducted by the Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology, a CASC subsidiary, at its facility in Baolongyu, Xi’an City, located in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province.
According to the institute, this accomplishment represents a significant step forward in China’s capacity to test and verify new-generation rocket engines for mass production and delivery, enabling more frequent and reliable launch missions.
Moreover, the Baolongyu testing site, operational for 20 years, has recently adopted digital technologies and innovative measures to streamline engine acceptance tests. These advancements have reduced preparation time for the tests from five days to two, improving efficiency and ensuring timely delivery of engines for China’s next-generation launch vehicles.
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