Chinese space engineers have conducted the first ignition test of the most powerful solid-propellant rocket engine in the world, which will be used on new-generation rockets, according to the Academy of Aerospace Solid Propulsion Technology in Xi'an, Shaanxi province.

The academy, a subsidiary of State-owned space giant China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp, announced on Tuesday afternoon that a test that morning had been successful.

The engine has a diameter of 3.5 meters, 150 metric tons of solid propellants and a thrust power of 500 tons, making it the world's most powerful and fuel-efficient integrated solid-propellant rocket engine, the academy said in a statement, noting that the test took place at an engine testing facility in Xi'an.