China Tests Five Rocket Engines In Single Day To Strengthen Space Program

China has commenced 2025 with a strong focus on aerospace innovation, marked by five rocket engine tests conducted by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) on Thursday. The tests took place in Beijing and Laiyuan County, Hebei Province.

Rocket engine test runs are pivotal in the development process, with each designed to evaluate critical aspects of engine performance and reliability. According to a report by Science and Technology Daily, these rigorous tests span various stages of engine development to ensure all components meet stringent standards. The comprehensive evaluation generates data crucial for refining engine designs and enabling their success in future space projects.

In Beijing, Institute 101 of the Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology conducted four tests, including an upper-stage hydrogen-oxygen engine trial. This engine ignited at 11:21 am, running for approximately 100 seconds before a controlled shutdown, marking the completion of its ground calibration test.

“The just-completed experiment tested an upper-stage hydrogen-oxygen engine. It tested the overall coordination of the engine and obtained performance data. After assessment, we concluded that the test was a complete success,” Xia Wei, a CASC professional overseeing the process, stated.

Additional tests targeted the rocket’s main propulsion engine, upper-stage engine, and attitude-orbit control engine. Notably, a liquid-oxygen methane engine underwent evaluation at a vertical dual-station test stand in Laiyuan, designed for a high-thrust hydrogen-oxygen rocket engine. Completing five test runs in one day reflects the efficiency and technological readiness of CASC.

In 2025, CASC plans to intensify its research and testing on various engines tailored for deep space exploration, heavy rockets, and other specialized missions, aligning with China’s broader ambitions in space exploration.

Launched on September 27 aboard a Long March 2D rocket, the Shijian-19 satellite was retrieved on October 11. It served as a versatile platform for research in areas such as microgravity science, space life sciences, and technology experiments. This reusable satellite demonstrated significant technological achievements, including reusability, payload capacity, and precision re-entry.

The Shijian-19 mission carried 20 payloads spanning categories like crop breeding specimens, microbial research, electronic components, and other space technology experiments. It exemplified China’s growing capability in reusable, high-performance space platforms. As Xia Wei emphasized, these accomplishments signal the country’s readiness to deliver on major aerospace projects and enhance its position as a global leader in space technology.