China successfully tests liquid oxygen-methane rocket engine

BEIJING, May 17 (Xinhua) -- China has successfully tested an 80-tonne thrust liquid oxygen-methane engine, according to its developer Friday.

The engine, named TQ-12, was independently developed by the private rocket company LandSpace and has the third-highest thrust level among liquid oxygen-methane engines globally.

The engine is environmentally friendly, low-cost, easy to operate and reusable. The successful test shows that China's private rocket companies have mastered the key technologies of the 100-tonne liquid propellant rocket engine, according to the company.

The engine, which can be used in small rockets as well as medium-sized and heavy rockets, has high commercial value, the company said.