Chinese Rocket Engine 'Qingyu-11' Completes Key Component Tests
Chinese company Great Leap Forward announced on October 3 that critical components for its 150-ton "Qingyu-11" liquid oxygen-methane rocket engine have passed design, production, and full-scale ground tests. This milestone paves the way for integrated system testing.
Chinese aerospace technology firm Great Leap Forward (大航跃迁) announced on October 3rd that key components for its "Qingyu-11" liquid oxygen-methane rocket engine have successfully completed development and testing. The company confirmed that the engine's valves passed design, production, and full-scale ground tests under all operating conditions, meeting all performance indicators. This achievement signifies independent control over the engine's core power components.
The "Qingyu-11" engine is designed for reusability, aiming for at least 50 flights, and boasts a thrust-to-weight ratio exceeding 150. Previously, the engine underwent several critical development tests, including ignition and fluid flow experiments. The successful development and testing of the valves now lay the groundwork for integrating the entire engine system and conducting subsequent full-scale engine tests.
The developed valves cover a comprehensive range of the engine's operational lifecycle, including pre-cooling, ignition, startup, fuel supply, shutdown, and purge sequences. To ensure the valves could withstand extreme conditions, the team conducted individual tests simulating low temperatures, high pressures, and vibrations. These tests verified the valves' response characteristics, sealing performance, and pressure tolerance, with all indicators meeting engineering standards.
Great Leap Forward, founded in February 2024, specializes in the development of reusable launch vehicles. The company employs a "ground capture + intelligent control" methodology for rocket recovery, which aims to reduce weight and enhance payload capacity. This approach is intended to minimize landing impact loads and extend the operational lifespan of the rockets.
The company's "Yueqian-1" rocket is planned to utilize a tower-based recovery system, foregoing traditional landing legs. This design choice is expected to further reduce structural weight and improve carrying capacity. The development is progressing towards full system ground tests, marking a significant step toward future launches.