China has completed testing of Asia’s largest high-altitude simulation test stand for space engines in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, marking a significant milestone in its manned lunar exploration program.
Reported by China Space News on Wednesday, the completion of testing signifies a breakthrough in key technologies for simulating the high-altitude functioning of the main deceleration engine for China’s manned lunar landing spacecraft.
“The test stand utilizes advanced steam active ejector technology,” stated the Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology, the developer of the system. The recent test run assessed the compatibility between the engine and the stand.
The test stand features the largest steam ejector pump set in the country and is capable of simulating high-vacuum conditions during the engine’s full operational duration of 1,000 seconds.
“It can simulate the real working environment of an engine in space, allowing researchers to assess the engine’s performance,” Li Guanghui from China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation told China Media Group. “The technology is extremely challenging to master, and only a few countries in the world have done so.”
Notably, it took only eight months for China to complete the construction of the stand, according to Li.
In 2023, China initiated the lunar landing mission of its manned lunar exploration program, aiming to achieve a manned lunar landing by 2030. Flight vehicles being developed for the mission include 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 completed 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
