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.
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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”.
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This article was originally published by SCMP News.
