Blog

China Takes Major Step Toward Moon Landing with Seven-Engine Rocket Test
China Takes Major Step Toward Moon Landing with Seven-Engine Rocket Test

China Takes Major Step Toward Moon Landing with Seven-Engine Rocket Test

Beijing, August 16, 2025 – China has taken a significant leap forward in its lunar exploration ambitions by successfully conducting the first static fire test of a seven-engine cluster for its next-generation Long March 10 rocket. The groundbreaking test, carried out at a propulsion test facility in northern China, marks a crucial step in the country’s plan to send astronauts to the Moon by 2030.

The static fire test, which lasted 30 seconds, involved igniting all seven YF-100K engines simultaneously—a critical validation of the rocket’s propulsion system ahead of its planned debut flight in 2027. The successful test underscores China’s rapid advancements in heavy-lift launch vehicle technology, positioning it as a key competitor in the new era of lunar exploration alongside the United States’ Artemis program and other international efforts.

Details of the Seven-Engine Static Fire Test

The Engine Cluster

The Long March 10 (CZ-10) is China’s next-generation crewed launch vehicle, designed specifically for lunar missions. The rocket’s first stage is powered by a cluster of seven YF-100K engines, each generating 120 tons of thrust (1.18 MN) using kerosene and liquid oxygen (kerolox) propellants.

  • Engine Configuration: The seven-engine arrangement is a notable departure from China’s previous rockets, which typically used fewer, more powerful engines. This design improves redundancy and thrust control.
  • Thrust Output: Combined, the cluster produces 840 tons of thrust, making it one of the most powerful first-stage propulsion systems in China’s fleet.
  • Comparison with Other Rockets:
    • NASA’s SLS Core Stage: 4 RS-25 engines (1.9 MN each).
    • SpaceX’s Falcon 9: 9 Merlin engines (845 kN each).
    • Long March 10’s seven-engine approach balances power and reliability, crucial for crewed missions.

Test Objectives and Results

The primary goal of the static fire test was to verify:

  • Engine Synchronization: Ensuring all seven engines ignite and throttle uniformly.
  • Thermal and Structural Integrity: Assessing how the rocket’s frame handles extreme heat and vibration.
  • Combustion Stability: Preventing dangerous oscillations that could lead to engine failure.
  • Thrust Vector Control (TVC): Confirming the engines’ ability to adjust direction for stable flight.

The test was deemed a complete success, with all engines performing within expected parameters. Data collected will be used to refine the design ahead of a full-stage static fire test—a final check before the rocket’s maiden flight.

The Long March 10: China’s Moon Rocket

  1. Design and Capabilities

The Long March 10 is a three-stage rocket designed to carry:

  • 27 tons to lunar transfer orbit (LTO) for crewed missions.
  • 70 tons to low Earth orbit (LEO), making it comparable to NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) Block 1.

Key Features:

  • Modular Design: Can be configured for both crewed lunar missions and future space station logistics.
  • Reusability: While not fully reusable like SpaceX’s Starship, some components may be recoverable.
  • Human-Rated Safety: Built with multiple redundancies to ensure astronaut safety.
  1. Role in China’s Lunar Program

The Long March 10 is central to China’s manned lunar landing program, which includes:

  • Chang’e-6 to -8 Missions: Uncrewed lunar sample return and base construction.
  • Crewed Missions (2030+): Sending taikonauts to the Moon’s surface, potentially near the South Pole—a region rich in water ice.
  • Lunar Research Station (ILRS): A planned International Lunar Research Station in collaboration with Russia and other partners.

Global Implications: The New Space Race

China’s successful test places it firmly in the second wave of lunar exploration, alongside:

  • NASA’s Artemis Program: Targeting a 2026 crewed landing (Artemis III).
  • SpaceX’s Starship: Expected to support NASA’s lunar missions.
  • India’s Gaganyaan & Japan’s LUPEX: Emerging players in deep-space exploration.

Strategic Motivations:

  • Technological Leadership: Demonstrating advanced propulsion and heavy-lift capabilities.
  • Resource Utilization: Securing access to lunar water ice for future settlements.
  • Geopolitical Influence: Establishing China as a dominant space power.

What’s Next for China’s Moon Rocket?

Following this test, the Long March 10 program will proceed with:

  1. Full-Stage Static Fire Test (2026): A complete first-stage ignition.
  2. Uncrewed Test Flight (2027): Validating the rocket’s performance in space.
  3. Crewed Lunar Missions (2030+): Finalizing spacecraft (next-gen crew capsule) and lunar lander.

China’s successful seven-engine static fire test is a defining moment in its quest to land astronauts on the Moon. With the Long March 10 on track for its debut flight, the country is positioning itself as a leading force in deep-space exploration, setting the stage for a new era of lunar competition and collaboration.