• CN: 11-2187/TH
  • ISSN: 0577-6686

Journal of Mechanical Engineering ›› 2026, Vol. 62 ›› Issue (1): 96-124.doi: 10.3901/JME.260006

Previous Articles    

Review on the Separation and Thrust Mechanism of Launch Vehicles

GUO Xiaofei1,2, LI Weihao1,2, YANG Fei1,2,3, YUE Honghao1,2, DENG Zongquan1,2   

  1. 1. School of Mechanics Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001;
    2. National Key Laboratory of Aerospace Mechanism, Harbin 150001;
    3. Suzhou Research Institute, Harbin Institute of Technology, Suzhou 215104
  • Received:2025-04-11 Revised:2025-11-05 Published:2026-02-13

Abstract: As one of the core executive unit of the multifunctional system of launch vehicles, the action reliability and separation accuracy of separation and thrust mechanisms directly affect the success or failure of space launch missions. With the increase of the complexity of space missions and the carrying capacity of rockets in various countries, separation and thrust mechanisms face more stringent technical requirements in terms of bearing capacity, response speed, and environmental adaptability. A review systematically combs through the application and development status of separation and thrust mechanisms for launch vehicles at home and abroad, introduces in detail the working principles and characteristics of various separation and thrust mechanisms from four aspects: pyrotechnic, spring, pneumatic, and other energy sources, reviews the development in the field of dynamic characteristics, impact response, and reliability of separation and thrust mechanisms for launch vehicles, and introduces the simulation analysis techniques of some typical mechanisms. Finally, it looks forward to the development trend of separation and thrust mechanism products for launch vehicles, aiming to provide references for the innovative design and systematic development of separation and thrust systems for new-generation launch vehicles.

Key words: launch vehicle, unlocking separation, thrust mechanism, simulation analysis

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