Scheduled launch

WeLight’s Plasma Torch Igniter Successfully Fires – Marking a Key Breakthrough for China’s Full-Flow LOX/Methane Engine.

 

Flames Leap, Dreams Ignite

Yesterday, Beijing WeLight Technology Co., Ltd. successfully completed the ignition test of the plasma torch igniter for its independently developed HG-1 full-flow LOX/methane engine! This marks a critical step forward in China's high-performance liquid rocket engine technology and lays a solid foundation for subsequent oxygen-rich/fuel-rich pre-burner ignition tests! This "spark" ignited at the test site is illuminating the next golden decade of China's space industry.

 
 

Thousand Verifications, Flawless

This test successfully verified the operational stability of the oxygen-rich and fuel-rich pre-burner plasma torch igniters under different oxygen/fuel ratios and flow rates. After rigorous testing, key performance parameters such as output energy, flame length, and thermal protection design all met the design requirements. Notably, the plasma ignition device had already completed 1,000 ignition tests in a 1×10⁻³ Pa vacuum environment prior to this test, demonstrating its exceptional reliability to the highest standards.

 

 
 

Core Technological Breakthroughs at a Glance 

Precise Ignition Control

With microsecond-level electronic ignition capability, ultra-high arc temperatures, and precisely adjustable energy output, it synchronously unlocks the initial combustion of both oxygen-rich and fuel-rich pre-burners.
Cornerstone of Full-Flow Cycle

Ensures smooth engine transition to full operating conditions – the prerequisite and foundation for achieving the full-flow staged combustion cycle.
Extended Operational Life
Supports multiple engine restarts, greatly improving ignition reliability and providing key technical support for reusable launch vehicle development.
CostOptimization
Compared to traditional chemical torch igniters with slow response and poor controllability, the cost is reduced by up to 20 times.
Advanced Manufacturing
3D-printed whole-unit manufacturing enables lightweight design and rapid iteration.
Green Propellant
The LOX/methane combination paves the way for reusable rockets.
 
 

Why Is This Breakthrough Crucial?

The HG-1 engine delivers 42 tons of sea-level thrust (52 tons in vacuum). Its successful development will fill the technological gap in China's full-flow LOX/methane engine field. This breakthrough not only marks China's mastery of next-generation liquid engine core technologies, but also lays a solid foundation for reusable rocket development. The breakthrough in plasma ignition technology gives China a significant competitive advantage in the commercial space race.

 

 

A New Journey Is About to Set Sail

Currently, the oxygen-rich and fuel-rich pre-burners of the HG-1 engine have officially entered production, and liquid flow tests and ignition tests are scheduled for next month. This will be a critical step toward full-engine testing and first flight verification.

 
 

From "Spark" to "Torch"

This ignited "spark" is a vivid practice of WeLight's R&D philosophy – "technological innovation and commercial value driven." Through original breakthroughs in core technologies, we systematically enhanced the extreme reliability of key components and significantly reduced R&D and manufacturing costs. The success of this plasma ignition technology is not only a verification of a single component, but also a crucial step toward overall engine system breakthrough.
 
Salute to every fellow traveler of WeLight!
It is you who turn innovative ideas into stable flames that pierce the sky!
It is you who make business logic support a sustainable future that illuminates the sea of stars!