TQ-15
Rocket engine
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The TQ-15 (Chinese: 天鹊-15; pinyin: Tiānquè-15, lit. Sky Lark 15) is a gas-generator cycle rocket engine burning liquid methane and liquid oxygen developed by Landspace. The most recent version of the TQ engine family, the TQ-15A, powers the second stage of LandSpace's upgraded Zhuque-2E rocket.[1]
| Country of origin | China |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Landspace |
| Status | Active |
| Liquid-fuel engine | |
| Propellant | LOX / CH4 |
| Configuration | |
| Nozzle ratio | 45 |
| Performance | |
| Thrust, vacuum | 836 kilonewtons (188,000 lbf) |
| Throttle range | 55%~110% |
| Chamber pressure | 10.1 MPa (1,460 psi) |
| Used in | |
| ZQ-2 Block 2 | |
History
In October 2022, the construction of a fresh batch of ZQ-2 rockets was announced by LandSpace. A new variant of the TQ family of engines, designated as TQ-15A, was used in the second stage. The weight of the engine was reduced by 400 kg as a result of the elimination of the TQ-11 vernier thrusters, and vectoring is now done with a thrust vector control system that can angle up to four degrees. Additionally, the thrust will be enhanced and equipped with restart capabilities for greater mission profile flexibility.[2]
In March 2024, the first flight-ready TQ-15A was delivered for the assembly of Zhuque-2 Block 2.[3]
On November 27, 2024, an upgraded Zhuque-2E with a TQ-15A engine powering the second stage successfully placed 2 satellites into orbit.[4]
