TQ-15

TQ-15
Country of originChina
ManufacturerLandspace
StatusActive
Liquid-fuel engine
PropellantLOX / CH4
Configuration
Nozzle ratio45
Performance
Thrust, vacuum836 kilonewtons (188,000 lbf)
Throttle range55%~110%
Chamber pressure10.1 MPa (1,460 psi)
Used in
ZQ-2 Block 2

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

  1. ^ Beil, Adrian (9 October 2022). "China launches Advanced Space-borne Solar Observatory". NASASpaceFlight.com. Retrieved 23 November 2022.
  2. ^ Zafar, Ramish (20 October 2022). "China's Largest Private Rocket Engine Breathes Fire In First Successful Test". Wccftech. Retrieved 23 November 2022.
  3. ^ "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.
  4. ^ Jones, Andrew (27 November 2024). "Landspace puts 2 satellites in orbit with enhanced Zhuque-2 rocket". SpaceNews. Retrieved 27 November 2024.


Stub icon

This rocketry article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.