China’s space contractor has confirmed that it has made breakthroughs with rocket engines designed for large space missions. Earlier this week, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) announced that it has made progress with key technologies for a 220-ton throttle, liquid hydrogen-liquid oxygen stage combustion cycle engine.
The engine was created to power the second phase of China’s long March 9 rocket.
The rocket is a super heavy-duty vehicle designed to be used on large missions.
The long March 9 is part of long-term plans to send Chinese astronauts to the moon and help explore deep space.
Potential missions for the long March 9 have been named as a Mars sample return from one rocket.
The long March 9 is being developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT).
The first flight is expected around 2030 to help major spatial infrastructure projects.
According to the South China South Morning Post, Beijing’s next generation rocket engines are being developed for its ambitious space program that includes three planetary missions over the next five years.
The CSAC told Chinese media: “It will better satisfy the demand for power through future rockets and important space missions from China.”
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CSAC continues to work on the YF-77 to meet China’s 2021 launch plans.
China has ambitious plans to dominate space through technological advances.
Earlier in January, the CASC said China would begin construction of its first permanent space station in the coming months.
The Tiangong space station will include residential areas for three astronauts to spend about six months in space.
The completion of the space station is planned for 2022.
According to reports, it will orbit 340-420 kilometers above the earth.
The launch of the core module is scheduled for next spring.
Dr Malcolm Davis, senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, had earlier said he believed China had a good chance of governing space.
He told Express.co.uk: “The Chinese have made it very clear that they intend to be a comprehensive space force, certainly by 2049. This is in their official statements.”
He added that “the Americans are concerned” about the military, civilian and commercial aspects of China’s space ambitions.