6th engine trial for lunar missions sets record

China has completed the sixth trial run of the main engines for its future crewed lunar missions, according to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. The test of the 130-metric-ton liquid oxygen kerosene engine brought cumulative test run times to 3,300 seconds, setting a record for the longest trial of a single 100-ton class engine in China, the corporation said. As the main engine on the rockets that will comprise the country’s planned crewed lunar missions, the engine requires a greater level of performance and reliability.