On June 23, the Chinese mainland made significant strides in space technology by completing its first vertical takeoff and landing test of a reusable rocket. The test took place at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.
The rocket, developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), featured a diameter of 3.8 meters and was powered by three variable-thrust liquid oxygen-methane engines. During the test, the rocket ascended to approximately 12 kilometers before descending in a controlled manner. Landing legs were deployed at 50 meters above the ground, enabling a soft and precise vertical landing on the designated recovery pad.
This achievement marks the largest vertical takeoff and landing flight of a reusable rocket in the Chinese mainland to date. It also signifies the first use of domestically developed liquid oxygen-methane engines with variable thrust capabilities in a return flight reaching 10 kilometers.
The successful test validated several critical technologies, including the rocket's structural integrity, high-precision navigation, and landing buffer mechanisms. These advancements are paving the way for the scheduled maiden flight of a 4-meter diameter reusable carrier rocket in 2025.
Reference(s):
China's reusable rocket finishes 1st 10 km vertical takeoff, landing
cgtn.com
