China develops rocket propulsion technology for military and space applications

Chinese researchers have unveiled a rocket propulsion technology that aims to revolutionize modern warfare and space exploration, enabling variable-speed propulsion and near-invisibility to detection systems. This new technology has not yet been tested in real-world conditions, and its potential applications are identified for the military and space sectors. It uses the injection of gaseous helium directly into the rocket engine, mixed with the fuel. The combination of solid and gaseous fuel offers several advantages. First, it allows for more effective pressurization of the fuel, potentially increasing thrust by three times compared to engines that use only conventional fuel. Second, the use of helium reduces the risk of leaks, a recurring problem in the space sector.
Another peculiarity of this engine is its ability to change the speed of the rocket during flight by adjusting the amount of helium injected into the fuel. It makes the rocket more difficult to track, as the propulsion speed can be adjusted in real time, with direct implications for the stealth of missiles. Due to this characteristic, they become almost impossible to detect for current systems such as infrared surveillance satellites.
The applications of this new technology are in the military and space sectors. On the one hand, the engine could be used in China to create stealth missiles that can evade detection by current early warning systems. On the other hand, this advance could dramatically reduce the cost of space launches. Engines that use solid and gaseous fuels are cheaper to produce and operate than liquid-fueled engines. It could open up new opportunities for countries and companies looking to invest in space exploration. For example, China, which is already developing a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit, could see its lunar ambitions aided by this technology. The country plans to build a human base on the Moon by 2035, and this new propulsion could significantly reduce costs.