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]
History
In 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]
On November 27, 2024, an upgraded Zhuque-2E with a TQ-15A engine powering the second stage successfully placed 2 satellites into orbit.[4]
References
- ^ 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.
- ^ Jones, Andrew (27 November 2024). "Landspace puts 2 satellites in orbit with enhanced Zhuque-2 rocket". SpaceNews. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
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