Scientists have succeeded in overcoming technical difficulties in producing a prototype of the YF-79 engine for the third stage of superheavy space rockets, as they successfully tested a new engine for the Long March 9 superheavy transport rocket, which is designed to play a major role in lunar exploration and perform missions in deep space, according to the newspaper. “South China Morning Post”.
The YF-79’s 25-ton engine runs on hydrogen-oxygen fuel with an expansion propulsion cycle. The first stage of the missile is equipped with four YF-130 engines and runs on oxygen-kerosene fuel with an additional combustion cycle. The second stage of the Long March 9 is powered by two YF-90 engines and runs on hydrogen and oxygen fuels. The four new upgraded YF-79 engines are for the third stage.
The Long March-9 rocket is expected to be able to carry up to 140 tons of payload to near-Earth orbit, 15 to 50 tons to the Moon, and 12 to 44 tons to Mars.