China’s space missions are taking flight with the development of advanced methane engines for their colossal Long March 9 launcher. A recent report from the Xi’an Aerospace Propulsion Institute details the progress of these high-thrust, efficient, and reusable engines, signifying China’s dedication to deep space exploration and potential Mars missions by 2033.
![Chinese private launch company Landspace testing its Tianque-12 methalox engine at Huzhou facility in China.](https://m31globalnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2024-05-22-070135-1024x585.png)
China’s Methane Engine Advantage
The key lies in full-flow staged-combustion-cycle methane engines. The Xi’an institute, a company in Chinese rocket engine design, reports significant progress in both overall design and component testing. Prototypes and scaled components like igniters and thrust chambers are being tested, aiming for a mighty 200 tons of thrust.
Plans unveiled by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp. (CASC) reveal a first stage for the Long March 9 fueled by a cluster of 26 of these reusable engines. The first test flight is targeted for 2033.
Experts consider these engines comparable to SpaceX’s Raptor, making them the world’s second full-flow staged-combustion methalox engine and superior to existing methane engines domestically and internationally, including Blue Origin’s BE-4. While challenges in system configuration and ignition control remain, the potential benefits of high thrust, efficiency, reliability, and reusability are significant.
The success of these engines is crucial for China’s ambitious deep space goals, including a potential Mars landing. The focus on low-cost, highly reliable, and rapidly reusable engines aligns with national objectives and marks a groundbreaking leap for China’s space sector.
– Affiliate product –
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61xj6fwzMhL._SX679_.jpg)
Celestron Speciality Series Travel Scope 70 Telescope
Watch the Mars and other celestial objects with this telescope and stay curious
The report also highlights progress by Chinese commercial companies. CASIC’s Mingfeng-1 engine, Landspace’s Tianque engines, and iSpace’s variable thrust JD-1/Focus-1 engine are all making progress. Landspace, a leader in China’s private space sector, already have the Zhuque-2, the first methalox rocket to reach orbit.
The advancements in methane engines, combine with the global trend towards reusability pioneered by SpaceX, have prompted a shift in China’s long-term space transportation plans. The Long March 9, originally planned to use kerosene-liquid oxygen engines, has been redesigned to incorporate methalox engines, mirroring the design of SpaceX’s Super Heavy/Starship stack.
China’s commitment to space exploration extends beyond the Long March 9. They are also developing a three-stage heavy-lift rocket powered by upgraded kerolox engines, aiming to send astronauts to the moon by 2030. This rocket will also feature recoverable and reusable components, signifying another step forward in China’s extraterrestrial journey.
The Team, M31Global News