China just tested a new solid-fuel rocket engine

The development of new technologies continues on the side of the Chinese space program. On Tuesday, October 19, a test was carried out on a brand new large rocket motor that runs on solid fuel. The trial took place at a site near the northern city of Xi’an. It lasted 115 seconds.

According to information, the new propellant was developed by scientists from the AASPT or Academy of Aerospace Solid Propulsion Technology. The latter is part of the CASC or China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. After the test, Ren Quanbin, the president of the AASPT, said the test was successful. They were able to test all parameters, including the 500 ton thrust which operated for 115 seconds.

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Quanbin added that they are at an advanced international level when it comes to large solid fuel engines. According to him, the next step will be to develop an engine that can produce 1,000 tons of thrust. This will help provide more power to future Chinese launchers.

Objectives: the Moon and deep space

The new engine, which is currently in the testing phase, has a diameter of 3.5 m. The maximum thrust that can be produced by the 150 tonnes of fuel is 500 tonnes. According to the CASC, it is the most powerful and highest thrust solid fuel engine in the world. The device also uses several advanced technologies such as a shell made from a high performance composite material, as well as a very large nozzle.

The CCAC announced that this new rocket part is intended for use with heavy launchers. The engine will meet various needs such as manned missions for the Moon or the exploration of deep space.

Note that China is currently already developing the Long March 9 rocket and another rocket to launch its astronauts to the Moon. These rockets do not use solid fuel engines.

A big breakthrough in the field of solid fuel boosters

In recent years, China has made great strides in solid fuel rocket engines. The Chinese, for example, have succeeded in developing and launching the Long March 11, a rocket that can take off from land, but also from the sea.

In December 2020, the AASPT had already tested an engine with a diameter of 3.2 m. This time around, the new model is much wider and can be added to launchers for extra thrust.

In the future, China also plans to launch its first rocket combining liquid fuel stages and solid fuel boosters placed on the sides.

Currently, the trend among rocket builders is to develop liquid fuel launchers that can be reused. Solid fuel boosters cannot be controlled to allow a landing, but they do have advantages in terms of simplicity, cost, and production.