Update: China's Long March-10 carrier rocket succeeds in second static fire test

WENCHANG, Hainan, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- China's new-generation manned carrier rocket Long March-10 successfully completed a second static fire test on Friday at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in the southern island province of Hainan.

The move marks a breakthrough in developing the initial prototype of the Long March-10 series of carrier rockets, said the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

At 3 p.m., seven engines used on the test product of the rocket's first stage were ignited simultaneously. Following this procedure, multiple test processes were completed, with a total test duration of 320 seconds.

This test focused on evaluating the capabilities of the seven clustered engines of the rocket's first stage for low-thrust operating condition and secondary restart condition, obtaining complete test data. The test was a complete success, according to the agency.

Up to now, two planned static fire tests have both been completed. They have comprehensively verified the design validity and reliability of the rocket's first-stage propulsion system and the working procedure for recovery, according to the CMSA. ■