The TQ-15 (Chinese: 天鹊-15; pinyin: Tiānquè-15, lit. Sky Lark 15) is a gas-generator cycle rocket engine burning liquid methane and liquid oxygen under development by Landspace. The most recent version of the TQ engine family, the TQ-15A, is intended to power the second stage of LandSpace's upgraded Zhuque-2 rocket.[1]
Country of origin | China |
---|---|
Manufacturer | Landspace |
Status | Under development |
Liquid-fuel engine | |
Propellant | LOX / CH4 |
Configuration | |
Nozzle ratio | 45 |
Performance | |
Thrust, vacuum | 836 kilonewtons (188,000 lbf) |
Throttle range | 55%~110% |
Chamber pressure | 10.1 MPa (1,460 psi) |
Used in | |
ZQ-2 Block 2 |
History
editIn October 2022, the construction of a fresh batch of ZQ-2 rockets was announced by LandSpace. A new variant of the TQ family of engines, designated as TQ-15A, was used in the second stage. The weight of the engine was reduced by 400 kg as a result of the elimination of the TQ-11 vernier thrusters, and vectoring is now done with a thrust vector control system that can angle up to four degrees. Additionally, the thrust will be enhanced and equipped with restart capabilities for greater mission profile flexibility.[2]
In March 2024, the first flight-ready TQ-15A was delivered for the assembly of Zhuque-2 Block 2.[3]
References
edit- ^ Beil, Adrian (9 October 2022). "China launches Advanced Space-borne Solar Observatory". NASASpaceFlight.com. Retrieved 23 November 2022.
- ^ Zafar, Ramish (20 October 2022). "China's Largest Private Rocket Engine Breathes Fire In First Successful Test". Wccftech. Retrieved 23 November 2022.
- ^ "蓝箭航天首台天鹊A发动机成功交付". Weixin Official Accounts Platform (in Chinese (China)). Retrieved 15 March 2024.