Major test of crucial rocket parts finished

Muscular engine expected to play a central role in future moon missions

Chinese engineers have successfully tested components of what is expected to be the nation's largest and mightiest rocket engine, according to China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp, the country's leading space contractor.

The State-owned space conglomerate said in a statement on Tuesday that engineers had carried out a compatibility test on the turbopump and gas generator of the engine - which will deliver 500 metric tons of thrust using a combination of liquid oxygen and kerosene - on Sunday at a testing facility in Baolongyu area of Xi'an, Shaanxi province.