| Country of origin | China |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Jiuzhou Yunjian |
| Status | Active |
| Liquid-fuel engine | |
| Propellant | LOX / CH4 |
| Performance | |
| Thrust, vacuum | 770.2 kilonewtons (173,100 lbf) |
| Thrust, sea-level | 686.5 kilonewtons (154,300 lbf) |
| Throttle range | 30%~100% |
| Specific impulse, vacuum | 350s |
| Specific impulse, sea-level | 290s |
| Dimensions | |
| Dry mass | 880 kg (1,940 lb) |
| Used in | |
| Long March 12A | |
| References | |
| Notes | 1 |
The Longyun (Chinese: 龙云; pinyin: Lóngyún, lit. Dragon Clouds) is a gas-generator cycle rocket engine burning liquid methane and liquid oxygen developed by Jiuzhou Yunjian.
History
In 2018, the gas generator test for the Longyun engine was completed.2 The engine completed multiple start-up hot test runs in May 2021.3 In October 2021, launch startup Rocket Pi signed a deal to use the Longyun engine to power its Darwin-1 reusable launch vehicle.4
Space Epoch conducted a ground test of a 4.2-meter stainless steel stage powered by the Longyun engine in January 2023.5
In April 2024, Longyun passed a long duration hot firing test with the servo mechanism rotating to the maximum angle of ±8°. The engine has also reportedly passed the customer acceptance test.6
On December 23, 2025 the Longyun-70 engines were used on the first flight of Long March 12A rocket. The rocket successfully deployed its payload, but an attempt to land its first stage failed.
References
References
- "Longyun Engine JiuZhou Cloud Arrow (Beijing) Space Technology Co., Ltd". en.jzyjspace.com.
- Jones, Andrew (12 August 2019). "Chinese Linkspace reaches 300 meters with launch and landing test". SpaceNews. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
- "JiuZhou YunJian "LongYun" engine has completed multiple start-up hot test runs_JiuZhou Cloud Arrow (Beijing) Space Technology Co., Ltd". en.jzyjspace.com. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
- Jones, Andrew (31 October 2021). "New Chinese launch firm signs deal for reusable rocket engines". SpaceNews. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
- Alaieva, Liliia (20 January 2023). "The Chinese are preparing to launch a "miniature Starship"". The Universe Magazine. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
- "九州云箭 70 吨级"龙云"火箭发动机高压泵后热摇摆试验圆满成功". www.ithome.com. ithome.