The test took place Friday at 3 pm at the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan province, where seven engines mounted on a prototype first stage burned for about 320 seconds. According to the China Manned Space Agency, the run successfully evaluated low-thrust operations and re-ignition capability, producing valuable performance data.
The first ignition test, held Aug 15, saw the engines deliver nearly 1,000 metric tons of thrust, setting a new domestic record for power. Developed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp, the Long March 10 will serve as the launch vehicle for China's next-generation crewed spacecraft and lunar landing module, with its maiden flight targeted for around 2027.
The moon-mission configuration of the Long March 10 will stand 92.5 meters tall with a five-meter core diameter, weigh 2,189 tons at liftoff, and produce 2,678 tons of thrust. It will be able to send payloads of at least 27 tons on an Earth-moon transfer trajectory.
A second model, the Long March 10A, is being designed without side boosters. At 67 meters tall and 740 tons liftoff weight, it will feature a reusable first stage capable of carrying 14 tons to low Earth orbit. This version will supply cargo and crew to the Tiangong space station.
Designers noted that both versions share nearly identical first and second stage cores, though only the lunar variant includes a third stage. The reusable boosters will land under their own power and be recovered using a specialized net system.
An unnamed industry insider explained that while single-use rockets require engines to ignite once, reusable vehicles demand flawless re-ignition to guarantee safe atmospheric reentry and powered landing. "So the ignition tests are very necessary for designers and engineers to check whether their reusable rockets can function well and generate sufficient thrust after being reignited," the insider said.
Related Links
China Manned Space Agency
The Chinese Space Program - News, Policy and Technology
China News from SinoDaily.com
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