China's Long March-10 Rocket Completes Successful Static Fire Test, Advancing Lunar Exploration

China's new-generation manned launch vehicle, the Long March-10 carrier rocket, successfully completed its first static fire test on Friday at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Hainan Province. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced the achievement. This test represents a significant step forward in China's manned lunar exploration program.

The CMSA reported that the test involved the simultaneous ignition of seven engines on the rocket's first stage at 3:00 p.m. Friday. The test evaluated the engines' performance under standard and high working conditions, and complete test data was obtained. The agency confirmed the test's success.

the Long March-10 and the Long March-10A rockets.

The Long March-10 is a three-stage rocket with two boosters, a diameter of 5 meters, and a maximum height of 92.5 meters. It will be used to launch manned spacecraft and lunar landers. The Long March-10A is a two-stage reusable rocket, also with a 5-meter diameter, but with a maximum height of 67 meters. Its first stage is designed for reuse and will be used for launching the Mengzhou manned spacecraft and Tianzhou cargo craft during the space station's application and development phase.

According to Xu Hongping, chief commander of the Long March-10 carrier rocket series development team, both rocket types can transport astronauts and cargo. The CMSA stated that the successful static fire test has provided a crucial technical foundation for the manned lunar exploration mission.

The Long March-10 series rockets will be fully integrated into China's manned spaceflight program, working with the Mengzhou manned spacecraft to enhance China's manned space-Earth round-trip transportation system. China is now in the lunar landing phase of its manned lunar exploration program, with the goal of landing astronauts on the moon before 2030.

Xu explained that the Long March-10 series was developed to meet the need for new carrier rockets with high safety, reliability, and thrust. Further technical verification tests are planned as part of the Long March-10 carrier rocket series' development plan. The CMSA also reported that new supporting infrastructure for the manned lunar exploration program is under construction at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site, with all work progressing smoothly.