Chinese firm Space Epoch successfully completes reusable rocket test

Chinese private space company Space Epoch has reached a significant milestone in space technology by testing its liquid-fueled, reusable rocket. This development supports China's efforts to catch up with the US in the space race.

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Chinese firm Space Epoch successfully completes reusable rocket test

Beijing-based Space Epoch has conducted the first successful test of a liquid-fueled, reusable rocket on behalf of China. This test is considered a significant milestone in China's space journey.

In a statement on Thursday, the company announced that the rocket, named Yuanxingzhe-1, completed a successful flight and return test. The rocket launched from an offshore launch center off the coast of Shandong, China, and reached an altitude of approximately 2.5 kilometers.

After the ascent, the rocket briefly shut down its engines before reigniting them to land in the sea in a controlled manner. This process drew attention for its similarity to SpaceX's reusable rocket technology.

CHINA'S PROGRESS IN THE SPACE RACE

Space Epoch stated that this flight was a major step forward in the development of reusable rocket technologies. The test, which lasted a total of 125 seconds, also included the reignition of the rocket's engines during the descent.

This method, which is part of vertical takeoff and vertical landing (VTVL) technology, has been used for a long time by companies such as SpaceX. SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket began successfully implementing this method nearly a decade ago.

Last year, another Chinese company called LandSpace tested engine reignition technology with a 10-kilometer VTVL test.

News Source: 12punto