China’s new ‘super fuel’ could help Long March rockets increase payload by 10%

China's aerospace ambitions have taken a significant leap forward with the successful launch of a Long March-12 rocket powered by a novel "super fuel." The new propellant, a high-energy synthetic kerosene developed by the Beijing Aerospace Test Technology Research Institute, a subsidiary of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), has demonstrated its capability by increasing the rocket's payload capacity by an impressive 10 percent. This breakthrough addresses a key challenge in rocketry: maximizing performance without resorting to larger, more costly rocket designs. Traditional liquid oxygen-kerosene engines, while common, have reached their performance limits. The CASC's innovation lies in enhancing the fuel's energy density, resulting in a substantial boost to the engine's specific impulse, a critical measure of efficiency. This advancement signifies China's commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration technology and enhancing its capabilities for future missions.