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The Chinese space contractor has confirmed that it has made inroads into rocket engines designed for major space missions. Earlier this week, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) announced that progress has been made on important technologies for a 220-ton thrust liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen combustion cycle engine.
The engine was created to power the second stage of the Chinese Long March 9 rocket.
The rocket is an ultra-heavy launcher developed for use in major missions.
The long March 9 is part of the long-term plans to send Chinese astronauts to the moon and help explore deep space.
Potential missions for the long March 9 have been announced to include a return of samples from Mars to a single rocket.
The Long March 9 is developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT).
The first flight is scheduled around 2030 to support large space 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.
CSAC told Chinese media, “This will better meet the energy demand of future rockets and major space missions from China.”
READ MORE: Space news: Astronomers spot planetary system 10 billion years old
The CSAC continues to work on the YF-77 to meet China’s 2021 launch plans.
China has ambitious plans to dominate space through technological advancement.
Earlier in January, the CCAC said China would start building its first permanent space station in the coming months.
The Tiangong space station will include accommodation for three astronauts who will spend approximately six months in space.
Completion of the space station is scheduled for 2022.
According to reports, it will orbit between 340 and 420 kilometers above Earth.
The launch of its main module is scheduled for next spring.
Dr Malcolm Davis, senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, previously said he believes China has a good chance of ruling space.
He said Express.co.uk: “The Chinese have made it clear that they intend to become a global space power, certainly by 2049. It is in their official statements.
He added that “Americans are concerned” about the military, civilian and commercial aspects of China’s space ambitions.
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