China Makes Progress with Long March-10 Moon Rocket, Using Liquid Hydrogen Engine
Key Ideas
  • China successfully tested the third-stage engine of its Long March-10 moon rocket, powered by liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, marking a significant step towards manned lunar exploration by 2030.
  • The YF-75E engine test was confirmed as a success, showing its feasibility for long-term operation in space. The engine will greatly support China's mission to land astronauts on the moon.
  • The Long March-10 rocket, with a capacity to lift 70 tonnes into low-Earth orbit, will be used for China's mission to put astronauts on the moon. The mission involves a spacecraft, moon lander, rover, and crew transfers for scientific investigations and sample collection.
China has achieved a milestone in its space exploration journey by successfully testing the third-stage engine of the Long March-10 moon rocket. Developed by the state-owned Academy of Aerospace Liquid Propulsion Technology, the YF-75E engine, which burns liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, demonstrated its capability for long-term operation in space. This successful test signifies a major advancement for China's goal to put astronauts on the lunar surface before 2030. The test rig used for the engine trial is the largest in Asia and can simulate high-altitude vertical-flight conditions. The Long March-10 rocket, similar to SpaceX's Falcon Heavy, features a powerful propulsion system with three stages. The rocket will be utilized for China's manned lunar exploration, with plans to have astronauts conduct scientific investigations, collect rock samples, and drive a rover on the moon's surface. Chinese space officials are confident in meeting the 2030 deadline, with manufacturing already underway for key mission components such as lunar landing suits and space vehicles.
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