China's Advancements in Raptor-like Engines Propel Super Heavy Rockets

China is making progress in developing full-flow staged-combustion-cycle methane engines to power its reusable Long March 9 super heavy-lift launcher. The engines, which produce 200 tons of thrust, have undergone successful hot fire tests and are comparable to SpaceX's Raptor engine. The development of these engines will support China's plans for future large-scale deep space exploration, including a Mars landing. However, challenges remain in terms of complex system configuration, integrated layout, and controlling the ignition process. Strengthening efforts in related technologies is crucial to complete this technically difficult project and achieve low-cost, highly reliable, and rapidly reusable engines.