Asia's Biggest High-Altitude Test Facility for Space Engines Becomes Operational
The newly constructed high-altitude simulation test stand for space engines in northwest China's Shaanxi Province has successfully undergone testing, according to a report from China Space News on Wednesday.
TroibNews 
A newly constructed high-altitude simulation test stand designed for space engines has successfully completed its testing in Shaanxi Province, as reported by China Space News on Wednesday.
This achievement marks a significant advancement in essential technology for simulating high-altitude conditions for the main deceleration engine used in China's crewed moon landing vehicle.
According to the Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology, which developed the system, the test evaluated how well the engine worked with the test stand that features cutting-edge steam active ejector technology.
The test facility, noted as the largest of its kind in Asia and boasting the country's biggest steam ejector pump set, is equipped to create a high-vacuum environment to mimic space conditions during a comprehensive 1,000-second test of the engine.
Li Guanghui of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation explained to China Media Group, "It can simulate the real working environment of an engine in space," emphasizing the complexity of the technology and noting that "only a few countries in the world have done so."
Li also mentioned that the construction of the test stand was completed in just eight months.
China launched its crewed lunar exploration program in 2023, aiming to achieve a manned moon landing by 2030. The mission's development plans include the Long March-10 rocket, the Mengzhou manned spacecraft, and the Lanyue lunar lander, as disclosed by the China Manned Space Agency.
Furthermore, in June 2024, China successfully carried out a test of the propulsion system for the Long March-10 rocket's first stage.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
This achievement marks a significant advancement in essential technology for simulating high-altitude conditions for the main deceleration engine used in China's crewed moon landing vehicle.
According to the Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology, which developed the system, the test evaluated how well the engine worked with the test stand that features cutting-edge steam active ejector technology.
The test facility, noted as the largest of its kind in Asia and boasting the country's biggest steam ejector pump set, is equipped to create a high-vacuum environment to mimic space conditions during a comprehensive 1,000-second test of the engine.
Li Guanghui of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation explained to China Media Group, "It can simulate the real working environment of an engine in space," emphasizing the complexity of the technology and noting that "only a few countries in the world have done so."
Li also mentioned that the construction of the test stand was completed in just eight months.
China launched its crewed lunar exploration program in 2023, aiming to achieve a manned moon landing by 2030. The mission's development plans include the Long March-10 rocket, the Mengzhou manned spacecraft, and the Lanyue lunar lander, as disclosed by the China Manned Space Agency.
Furthermore, in June 2024, China successfully carried out a test of the propulsion system for the Long March-10 rocket's first stage.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
