Private space players test key engine part

In the wake of emerging opportunities in the commercial space sector, private Chinese space enterprises have been racing each other in the research and development of the engine, the most crucial part in a carrier rocket.

On Thursday, i-Space, a space industry startup in Beijing, conducted the first ignition test on the gas generator of its indigenously designed methane rocket engine in Beijing. The engine will have 15 metric tons of thrust and be used to power i-Space rockets, according to the company.

The test was successful and verified the design and reliability of the gas generator that was made by 3D printing technology, said the chief technology officer at i-Space, who wished to be identified only as Wei.