Chinese firm conducts 1,000-second hot fire test of its reusable engine to challenge SpaceX

Mega Engine Technology said its Chi kerolox staged-combustion engine completed a 1,000-second hot fire test.

That brings total test time to 2,000 seconds and marks progress toward reusable rocket engines for commercial launchers.

The result highlights rapid progress by a young Chinese private firm in high-performance propulsion.

It could boost China’s commercial launch capability and add competition to SpaceX-class systems.