Chinese satellite engine sets new record with 14 hours of operation

July 03, 2026

Reported by AI

A Chinese team has reported achieving 14 hours of continuous operation for a satellite engine during testing.

The upgraded engine was developed by the China Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology in Xian. It produces 750 newtons of thrust and was designed to run for nearly 10 hours.

The engine operated continuously for more than 14 hours thanks to a novel heat- and oxidation-resistant coating. The extra operating time did not come at the expense of performance.

In contrast, leading engines such as the US-made R-42DM and Europe’s Leros-1B are typically designed to operate for about seven hours. The results were reported by Chinese media on July 3, 2026.

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