China has successfully completed testing on Asia's largest high-altitude simulation test stand for space engines in Shaanxi Province, marking a significant milestone in the country's ambitious manned lunar exploration program.
This breakthrough enhances key technologies for the high-altitude simulation of the main deceleration engine crucial for China's planned manned lunar landing by 2030.
The test run evaluated the engine's compatibility with the stand, which employs advanced steam active ejector technology, according to the Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology, the system's developer.
Featuring the largest steam ejector pump set in the country, the test stand can simulate high-vacuum conditions during the engine's full-window operation lasting 1,000 seconds, replicating the real working environment of space.
Li Guanghui from China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation highlighted the complexity of mastering this technology, noting that only a few countries globally have achieved similar advancements.
Remarkably, China completed the construction of the test stand in just eight months, demonstrating rapid progress in aerospace innovation.
In 2023, China launched the lunar landing mission within its manned lunar exploration program, aiming to realize a manned lunar landing by 2030. The mission includes flight vehicles such as the Long March-10 rocket, the manned spacecraft Mengzhou, and the lunar lander Lanyue, according to the China Manned Space Agency.
In June 2024, China successfully conducted a test run of the propulsion system for the first stage of the Long March-10 carrier rocket.
Reference(s):
Asia's largest high-altitude test stand for space engines put into use
cgtn.com
