SCMP News6/13/2026Science1 min readChina
China and US Space Program Design Choices
Quick Look
- A peer-reviewed paper in Chinese Space Science and Technology highlights critical design flaws in China's lunar mission engine systems, noting a lack of backup engines.
- This contrasts with US approaches and could reflect differing values placed on human life in space exploration.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The descent and ascent stages of a lunar mission rely on a single main engine, with no backup. This design choice is highlighted as a significant weakness.
Font size
On the descent stage, one main engine controls the entire fall from lunar orbit to the surface. On the ascent stage, one main engine is the only ticket home.
If that one engine fails, there is no backup. This design, to quote a peer-reviewed paper published in the journal Chinese Space Science and Technology in March, “contains some glaring weaknesses”.
Open Questions
- What are the specific backup systems in the US space program?
- What is the US response to China's engine design?
Related Topics
OrganizationsChinese Space Science and Technology
Placeslunar orbit
This article was originally published by SCMP News.
