YF-102 (rocket engine)

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YF-102
Country of originChina
DesignerAcademy of Aerospace Liquid Propulsion Technology[1]
StatusActive
Liquid-fuel engine
PropellantLOX[1] / RP-1[1]
CycleGas-Generator Cycle
Configuration
Chamber1[1]
Performance
Thrust, sea-level835 kN (188,000 lbf)[1]
Throttle range620 kN (140,000 lbf) to 835 kN (188,000 lbf)[1]
Chamber pressure8.5 MPa (1,230 psi)[2]
Specific impulse, sea-level275.3 seconds (2.700 km/s)[2][3]
Burn time130 s [2][3]
RestartsMultiple[1]
Gimbal range[3]
Dimensions
Length2,178 millimetres (85.7 in)[3]
Used in
Tianlong-2

The YF-102 is a Chinese liquid rocket engine burning LOX and kerosene in a gas generator cycle.[4] It is manufactured by the AALPT based on the experience of previous kerolox engines, and using 3D printing technology and is capable of multiple restarts.[1][3] It is used in Tianlong-2 launch vehicle developed by Space Pioneer.[5]

History[edit]

The engine was revealed in 2021 without a target launch vehicle. In its presentation video, it was shown in a five engine configuration on a 3.35m diameter first stage and as a single engine on the second stage.[1][3] As of October 2021, it was in an advanced state of development, with six fully assembled prototypes some of which had achieved over 200 seconds of test firing. It was stated that it could be ready by 2022.[1] A reusable version, YF-102R could be ready by 2026 according to the manufacturer.[1]

In 2023, Space Pioneer, a Chinese private aerospace startup used YF-102 engines to power its Tianlong-2 Rocket. Tianlong-2 is a medium-sized, 3-stage rocket powered by RP-1 and liquid oxygen, with a payload capability of 2 tonnes to LEO and 1.5 tonnes to SSO.[6] Each of the stages of the Tianlong-2 rocket is equipped with a YF-102 gas generator engine, which develops 85 tons of thrust.[7] The three first-stage YF-102 were arranged in a triangular arrangement.[8]

See also[edit]

  • YF-100 – First stage Chinese rocket engine which is a previous kerolox engine from the manufacturer.
  • YF-115 – Upper stage Chinese rocket engine which is a previous kerolox engine from the manufacturer.

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "YF-102, The New Kid on the Block (of Rocket Engines)". www.dongfanghour.com. 5 October 2021. Archived from the original on 2022-01-01. Retrieved 2022-05-06.
  2. ^ a b c Norbert, Brügge. "China's new rocket engines". B14643.de. Archived from the original on 2022-03-27. Retrieved 2022-05-06.
  3. ^ a b c d e f CASC revealed new LOX/kerosene engine YF-102 with 85t thrust (in Chinese). CNSA Watcher - Archives. 2022-10-05. Retrieved 2022-05-06.
  4. ^ CN 114046213, Liu, Shang; Wang, Tong & Han, Hongwei et al., "Open type liquid oxygen kerosene engine system and thrust adjusting method thereof", published 2022-02-15, assigned to Xian Aerospace Propulsion Institute 
  5. ^ "Space Pioneer Tianlong-2 Demo Flight". Rocket Launch Schedule.
  6. ^ "China's Tianbing Launch Success of Liquid Propellant Space Rocket Opens Way to Reusable Vehicles". Business2Community.
  7. ^ "Chinese startup launches liquid-fueled rocket for the first time". Universe Magazine. 3 April 2023.
  8. ^ "China's Space Pioneer Reaches Orbit with Liquid Propellent Rocket". Space News.