China successfully tests power system for largest space rocket

BEIJING: China today successfully tested the power system of a Long March-5 carrier, stated to be the largest space launch vehicle that will be used in the Chang'e-5 lunar mission around 2017.

Using non-toxic and non-polluting liquefied propellant, the engines of the rocket were fired on the ground.

This final ground test of the power system was good preparation for tests on actually launching the rocket next year, said the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

With a payload capacity of 14 tonnes to geostationary transfer orbit, the largest carrying capacity in China, the rocket will greatly increase China's ability to enter space.