Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

Image credit: CCTV via China ‘N Asia Spaceflight

China’s reusable rocket engine research is engaged in multiple challenges, including use of various, on the factory floor, manufacturing processes.

Chinese engineers have overcome various technical difficulties in developing an engine for reusable rockets, which recently underwent its 30th ignition test.

Developing a reusable engine can make a rocket land accurately, be more durable and easier to repair, China Central Television (CCTV) reports.

CCTV reports that another major problem faced by the research team is what kind of materials can be utilized and how to control the manufacturing process to produce an engine with high technical standards and reliable quality.

Song Yaqing, 11th Institute, Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).

Multiple ignitions

“First of all, it [the engine] has to be used for a long time or for multiple ignitions,” explains Song Yaqing, 11th Institute, Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).

Song told CCTV that the most important thing is identifying the lifespan of every component and the entire machine after extremely accurate adjustment, which cannot be simulated. “The only way is to have constant test runs.”

Liu Chaofeng, senior engineer, Xi’an Aerospace Engine Company, Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology at CASC.

Repeatability, durability and reliability

Rocket engine production was spotlighted by Liu Chaofeng, senior engineer, Xi’an Aerospace Engine Company, Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology at CASC.

“Focusing on the requirement of technical indicators including repeatability, durability and reliability of the reusable engine, we have tackled a series of key issues and carried out a series of research projects,” Liu told CCTV.

“There were nearly 70 major research projects, which have greatly improved the technological level and stability of our engine’s manufacturing process, and ensured the consistency and reliability of our products’ quality,” Liu added.

Zhou Xianqi, a researcher with the Sixth Academy of CASC.
Image credit: CCTV/Inside Outer Space screengrab

Liquid oxygen-kerosene engine

Zhou Xianqi, a researcher with the Sixth Academy of the CASC reports that China successfully completed two consecutive ignition tests of the 130-ton reusable liquid oxygen-kerosene engine last Friday, laying a foundation for the maiden flight of reusable carrier rockets.

“The key characteristic of the reusable engine is safe and reliable, which can meet relevant requirements. We ran so many tests mainly to find out the state of the engine in these tests,” Zhou told CCTV.

The engine with multiple-start capability, CCTV reports, was developed on the basis of the existing high-thrust liquid oxygen and kerosene engine. It can increase the thrust while reducing its weight and “rocket space occupation,” thus making reusable rockets possible.

Image credit: CCTV via China ‘N Asia Spaceflight