China Tests 750-Newton Satellite Engine for 14 Hours, Doubling Typical 7-Hour Orbit-Raising Runs
Updated
Updated · South China Morning Post · Jul 3
China Tests 750-Newton Satellite Engine for 14 Hours, Doubling Typical 7-Hour Orbit-Raising Runs
2 articles · Updated · South China Morning Post · Jul 3
Summary
More than 14 hours of continuous operation in testing set a new record for China’s upgraded satellite engine, far exceeding its nearly 10-hour design target.
A novel heat- and oxidation-resistant coating enabled the longer run, while Chinese reports said the extra endurance did not reduce the engine’s performance.
The engine was developed by the China Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology in Xian and produces 750 newtons of thrust for raising spacecraft into final orbit after launch.
About 7 hours is the typical design endurance for leading US and European rivals such as the R-42DM and Leros-1B, underscoring China’s claimed advance after developing the technology from scratch.