Cutting-edge liquid-propellant rocket engines at Zhuhai Airshow to benefit future space travel

The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, which opened Tuesday in Zhuhai City of south China's Guangdong Province, showcases several advanced liquid-propellant rocket engines that promise to shape the future of space exploration.

Among the highlights is an 80-ton reusable liquid oxygen-methane engine, which stands out for its economic viability and potential for extensive application in reusable rocket designs. The efficiency of methane positions this engine as a pivotal component for future space missions.

"This engine's most significant feature is its complete reusability, with a capability of at least 50 uses. It has successfully gone through various development tests and is now ready for flight," said Song Dekun from China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

The 80-ton liquid oxygen-methane engine is tailored for the burgeoning commercial space market, offering substantial thrust while being engineered for reusability. Next to it, another engine designed for commercial space endeavors is on display - a high-altitude engine utilizing liquid oxygen and kerosene as fuel.

"It has a thrust of 72 tons and will be used in the rocket's second stage. The first stage carries the rocket to altitudes of 50 to 60 kilometers, and the second stage operates from there up to 200 kilometers and even into low Earth orbit, where it must ignite in near-vacuum conditions, requiring precise ignition capabilities," said Liu Shang from China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

Liu added that this engine is delivery-ready and is projected to undertake its inaugural flight in 2025, further solidifying China's position in the global aerospace landscape.

Popularly known as the Zhuhai Airshow, the premier aviation event has attracted 1,022 companies from 47 countries and regions this year, with Russia, France, the United States, Saudi Arabia and Italy participating in the air show in groups. The airshow is scheduled to last through Sunday.

Cutting-edge liquid-propellant rocket engines at Zhuhai Airshow to benefit future space travel

China welcomes more U.S. financial institutions and long-term capital to continue deepening mutually beneficial cooperation with China, Vice Premier He Lifeng said in his meeting with John Waldron, president and chief operating officer of Goldman Sachs Group, in Beijing on Wednesday.

He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said China is fully implementing the guiding principles of the 20th CPC Central Committee's third plenary session, steadily advancing major measures to deepen comprehensive reform, and continuously expanding opening-up at a high level.

China welcomes more U.S. financial institutions and long-term capital, including Goldman Sachs Group, to continue deepening mutually beneficial cooperation with China, and to play a greater role in promoting the healthy development of China-U.S. relations, He said.

The Goldman Sachs Group is full of confidence in China's economy and future development, and is willing to continue expanding cooperation with China and making contributions to promoting U.S.-China economic and trade cooperation, Waldron said.

Chinese official encourages U.S. financial institutions to deepen cooperation with China

Chinese official encourages U.S. financial institutions to deepen cooperation with China