CAS Space, a commercial spaceflight company established by the Institute of Mechanics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has successfully completed the delivery of the Liqing-2 rocket engine. This significant achievement marks a milestone in the development of the Lijian series rockets, pivotal for the Chinese mainland's burgeoning commercial space industry.
The Liqing-2 is a liquid oxygen kerosene engine with a thrust capacity of up to 110 tonnes. Utilizing pin injection technology in both its gas generator and thrust chamber, the engine offers a versatile thrust ratio ranging from 50 to 100 percent. This adaptability enhances the performance and reliability of the engine in various mission profiles.
Approved in the second quarter of 2023, the Liqing-2 engine entered production in the first quarter of 2024. By early 2025, the engine underwent comprehensive testing, including whole machine liquid flow tests, assembly, and delivery reviews, ensuring its readiness for operational deployment.
As the primary engine for the Lijian-1 series rockets, the Liqing-2 has already been instrumental in launching 57 satellites across five missions, reinforcing the Lijian series' reputation in the commercial space sector.
With the completion of the Liqing-2 engine delivery, CAS Space solidifies its position as a key player in the Chinese mainland's spaceflight endeavors, contributing to the advancement of space technology and the expansion of commercial space operations.
Reference(s):
Chinese developer completes delivery of Liqing-2 rocket engine
cgtn.com
