Roughly two years after launching, a company in Xi’an, China, named Mega Engine Technology, has made a significant achievement. Its kerolox engine, called Chi, has completed 1,000 seconds of test firing. This marks a notable milestone, typically associated only with state-run engines in China.
On May 25, 2026, Mega Engine shared its results on social media. The Chi engine, meaning “blazing,” showed impressive startup speed, stable operation, and it passed inspections after testing. Overall, the engine has accumulated 2,000 seconds of run time in various tests. Chi could play a key role in reusable mid-lift launch vehicles, with a sea-level thrust between 35 and 75 tons and up to 87 tons in vacuum, showcasing efficiency.
### The Importance of Staged Combustion
Staged combustion is a complex process. It involves pre-burning fuels to create hot gases that drive the engine’s pumps. These gases are then injected into the main combustion chamber. This results in higher pressure and better performance compared to traditional engines. However, the challenge lies in materials that can withstand extreme heat and pressure. The Soviet Union first overcome this issue, developing oxidizer-rich staged combustion engines in the 1960s. Outside of Russia, only a few programs have successfully replicated the technology.
In China, most of the advancements in staged combustion have emerged from state-run institutions, specifically the Academy of Aerospace Liquid Propulsion Technology, which developed the YF-100 engine for the Long March rockets. While Mega Engine’s Chi is a breakthrough, it contrasts with the open-cycle engines most private Chinese firms currently use.
### Rapid Development
Mega Engine started operations in early 2024. Co-founder Zhang Chenxing, a PhD graduate from MIT, announced at a conference in 2025 that they were testing their first staged combustion engine. Remarkably, within about a year, they logged 1,000 seconds of run time. Developing such an engine usually takes years.
The secret might be the engineers behind Mega Engine, who likely have prior experience from state projects. This connection reflects a broader strategy in China, known as civil-military fusion, which accelerates the transfer of state knowledge and resources into private ventures.
### What’s Next for Mega Engine
Chi’s performance sets the stage for future projects. Mega Engine plans to release another engine named Yan in late 2026, a hefty 200-ton kerolox engine for larger launch vehicles. This would signify a major leap in China’s commercial rocket capabilities, enabling private companies to operate independently from state-run systems.
### The Push for More Launches
China is developing ambitious satellite programs, like Guowang and Qianfan, which aim to launch thousands of satellites. Given the current pace of state-run launches, there is a pressing need for a robust commercial sector to support these initiatives. A private company that can produce reliable engines would be a game-changer for commercial launch providers.
### The Unverified Claims
While Mega Engine’s assertions are promising, they hinge on social media updates and lack independent verification. Questions remain about the specifics of their test runs, including the conditions and configurations of the engines used. Until more data comes to light, skepticism will surround these claims.
### The Bigger Picture
Whether or not Chi launches soon, Mega Engine’s efforts signal a significant shift in the Chinese rocket industry. The gap between state and commercial propulsion is closing, driven by deliberate policies to foster innovation and collaboration.
As Mega Engine continues its work in Xi’an, the future holds potential. The success of Chi and the upcoming Yan will determine if a new era of commercial rocket capabilities has truly begun in China.
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