China’s CAS Space Successfully Tests Reusable Kinecore-2 Rocket Engine, Advancing Commercial Launch Capabilities

July 12, 2026

Modern Mechanics 24 China

Overview

Chinese private aerospace firm CAS Space has successfully completed long-duration performance evaluations for its Kinecore-2 reusable liquid oxygen-kerosene rocket engine. This 110-ton class engine is slated for integration into the company’s Kinetica-2 and Kinetica-2H rockets, marking a significant step for China in commercializing reusable launch vehicle technology. This achievement is crucial for China to compete with leading players like SpaceX and enhance its position in the global commercial space launch market.

In Depth

Key Findings

CAS Space, a prominent private aerospace company in China, has successfully completed critical long-duration firing tests for its Kinecore-2 reusable rocket engine. This 110-ton class liquid oxygen-kerosene engine demonstrated robust performance and reliability, representing a major milestone in China’s development of advanced reusable launch vehicle technology.

Technical & Clinical Details

The Kinecore-2 engine is designed to deliver a powerful 110 tons of thrust. The recent tests rigorously evaluated its capabilities, including multiple ignition and shutdown cycles, thrust modulation, and overall durability, specifically emphasizing its reusability for future missions. This engine is intended to power the first stage boosters of CAS Space’s forthcoming Kinetica-2 and Kinetica-2H reusable medium-to-heavy lift rockets, which are being developed to provide competitive launch services for commercial satellites.

Background & Context

Reusable rocket technology, exemplified by SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Starship, is a transformative force in the global space industry, enabling significant reductions in launch costs and increasing launch frequencies. China has been rapidly advancing its capabilities in this sector, with CAS Space at the forefront of these efforts. The successful testing of the Kinecore-2 engine is a critical step for China as it pursues its national goal of becoming a leading space power, particularly in expanding commercial space utilization. Establishing reliable reusable launch capabilities is paramount for China to enhance its competitiveness in the international space transportation market.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

The successful development of the Kinecore-2 engine paves the way for CAS Space to conduct regular commercial launches with its Kinetica series rockets. This will enable Chinese private enterprises to offer more cost-effective and reliable space transportation services, accelerating the deployment of satellite constellations, facilitating space tourism, and supporting other diverse commercial space activities. Furthermore, this technological breakthrough enhances China’s overall space development capabilities, with potential applications extending to future lunar exploration and deep-space missions.

Source: https://modernmechanics24.com/post/reusable-rocket-engine-firing-test/

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