Earlier this week, Beijing-based commercial rocket developer Galactic Energy, from the Chinese mainland, wrapped up a comprehensive system test of its CQ-90 engine for the PALLAS-2 reusable rocket 🚀.
The trial verified the CQ-90's design, manufacturing quality, and system integration. The engine fired up smoothly, burned with a bright flame, and shut down normally. Test data shows all performance parameters met design specs, with combustion efficiency topping 96%.
The CQ-90 is an upgraded liquid oxygen-kerosene engine evolved from its CQ-50 predecessor. It offers a bidirectional swing of up to six degrees, multiple ignitions, and wide-range variable thrust – a boost in precision and flexibility that brings PALLAS-2 closer to mission-ready status.
PALLAS-2, with a 4.5-meter diameter, comes in two configurations. The baseline version lifts off at around 757 tonnes of mass, generates about 910 tonnes of thrust, and can carry up to 20 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit. Add its strap-on boosters, and liftoff mass jumps to roughly 1,950 tonnes, thrust soars to 2,730 tonnes, and payload capacity reaches 58 tonnes.
This milestone shines a spotlight on the booming commercial space race in Asia. With system tests like this under its belt, Galactic Energy is poised to compete in the global market, offering new options for satellite launches, space research, and maybe even space tourism. Stay tuned for more liftoff updates! 🎉
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
