China propels its strongest rocket yet, generating a force of 990 tonnes for a lunar expedition
The Chinese space programme has made a significant stride forward with the successful completion of a critical test for the Long March-10 rocket, intended for China's manned moon mission. This powerful rocket, more potent than any China has used before, is a key component in the country's ambition to land astronauts on the lunar surface by 2030.
The test, which took place at Hainan Island, China's coastal spaceport, was a first-ever full-scale static fire test at an actual launch pad for the Long March-10. The test served as a dress rehearsal for the lunar rocket's engine power, providing valuable data to improve future iterations of the rocket.
During the test, the first stage of the rocket was ignited for 30 seconds, producing about 900 tonnes of thrust. Seven YF-100K engines worked in sync, ensuring stability, while the engines ran in sync under both normal and high-power conditions, as confirmed by the China Manned Space Agency.
The fully assembled Long March-10 rocket will have 21 engines firing at once—seven in the core and seven on each of its two boosters. The test yielded a full set of data, paving the way for further development and refinement.
The mission to land astronauts on the lunar surface by the end of the decade requires two separate launches: one, named Mengzhou, to carry the crew, and the other, Lanyue, to carry the lander. According to the plan, the two vehicles will meet and dock in lunar orbit, allowing the astronauts to transfer to the lander and descend to the surface.
China is also working on a reusable version (Long March-10A) for Earth orbit missions, similar in concept to SpaceX's Falcon 9. This development underscores China's commitment to sustainable and cost-effective space exploration.
However, the search results do not provide information about which company in China is currently developing the new rocket engine for the planned male moon mission in 2030. As the project progresses, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the intricate workings behind China's lunar ambitions.
In conclusion, the successful Long March-10 test brings China one step closer to its ambitious goal of landing astronauts on the moon. The test marked a significant milestone in China's space programme, further cementing its position as a major player in the global space race.
