China Successfully Tests Reusable Rocket Motor for Long March 5G Lunar Rocket

China wants to start delivering cargo into lunar orbit with new rockets in the second half of this decade.

Long March. An engine is being developed for them, which has recently been successfully tested.

What is known

China Aerospace Science and TechnologyCorporation (CASC) plans to fly to the Moon using two rockets: Long March 9 and Long March 5G. The first one will appear at least in 2030. It will have a height of 110 meters and will be able to deliver up to 50 tons of cargo into orbit. The second rocket will be capable of carrying half the payload, but launches should begin no later than 2027.

Recently, China successfully tested the YF-100N engine,which is designed specifically for the Long March 5G. In total, 21 engines will be created for the boosters and the first stage, each of which will be able to develop 130 tons of thrust. By the way, engine tests for the Long March 9 are also underway. It has the name YF-130 and a thrust of 500 tons.

At the end of November, Chinese specialists were able tore-start the engine as part of the tests. This is necessary so that the first stage and boosters can return home after putting the cargo into orbit. The return procedure is the same as SpaceX. The first stage and boosters will be splashed down on the platform in the ocean.