China’s 240-ton commercial, reusable rocket completes engine ignition test

January 31, 2026 | 18:45 |115

China has successfully completed a 200-second ignition test of a 240-ton class commercial and reusable rocket engine, with its performance indicators reaching the world's leading level, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) said on Thursday.

Developed by the CASC's Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology, this high-pressure staged combustion cycle liquid oxygen-kerosene engine is designed for domestic commercial use and will power the country's future large and medium-sized reusable carrier rockets.

According to the developer, the engine has achieved world-leading performance parameters.