China Test Fires New Engine, Plans Lunar Rover for 2013

摘要

China successfully test-fired a new liquid-fueled rocket engine capable of generating 240,000 pounds of thrust, the state-run Xinhua News Agency reported July 30. The report, citing government space officials, also said China plans to place a lander on the Moon next year. The new engine, powered by kerosene and liquid oxygen, will be used on the Long March 5 rocket, expected to debut in 2014, the report said. The new rocket will be able to place payloads weighing up to 25 tons into low Earth orbit and 14 tons into geostationary orbit, Xinhua said.