In recent years, China’s commercial space sector has witnessed remarkable growth, with numerous private companies emerging to develop and operate their own launch vehicles. These companies are playing an increasingly important role in China’s space ambitions, complementing the efforts of state-owned enterprises and driving innovation in the industry. This article reviews the key players in China’s commercial launch vehicle landscape, highlighting their achievements, plans, and the vehicles they are developing.
LandSpace
LandSpace, founded in 2015, is one of China’s leading private space companies. The company has developed the Zhuque-2 rocket, which is powered by liquid oxygen and methane engines. In July 2023, the Zhuque-2 successfully completed its maiden flight, becoming the world’s first rocket powered by liquid oxygen-methane fuel to reach orbit. LandSpace plans to continue improving the Zhuque-2 and develop larger, more capable rockets in the future.
iSpace
iSpace, also known as StarCraft Glory, is another prominent player in China’s commercial launch vehicle industry. The company has developed the Hyperbola-1 rocket, a four-stage solid-fuel vehicle capable of delivering small payloads to low Earth orbit (LEO). In July 2019, iSpace successfully launched the Hyperbola-1, becoming the first Chinese private company to achieve orbital flight. The company is now working on the larger Hyperbola-2 and Hyperbola-3 rockets, which will use liquid propellants and have greater payload capacities.
Galactic Energy
Galactic Energy, established in 2018, is developing the Pallas-1 rocket, a medium-lift launch vehicle powered by liquid oxygen and kerosene engines. The company plans to conduct the first orbital launch of the Pallas-1 in 2024. Galactic Energy is also working on the larger Pallas-2 rocket, which will have a payload capacity of around 4 tons to LEO.
Space Pioneer
Space Pioneer, founded in 2019, is focused on developing liquid-fueled rockets for the commercial market. The company’s Tianlong-3 rocket, currently under development, is expected to have a payload capacity of up to 17 tons to LEO. Space Pioneer plans to equip the Tianlong-3 with reusable first-stage engines, allowing for more cost-effective launches. The company is planning to conduct the inaugural flight of the Tianlong-3 in the near future.
Orienspace
Orienspace, also known as Xinghe Power, is developing the Gravity-1 rocket, a solid-fueled launch vehicle designed to carry payloads of up to 6 tons to LEO. In January 2024, Orienspace successfully launched the Gravity-1 from a sea platform off the coast of Shandong Province, marking a significant milestone for the company. Orienspace plans to continue improving the Gravity-1 and develop larger, more capable rockets in the future.
CAS Space
CAS Space, a subsidiary of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), is developing the Lijian-1 rocket, a solid-fueled launch vehicle designed to carry payloads of up to 1.5 tons to sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). The company successfully launched the Lijian-1 in July 2022, demonstrating its capabilities in the commercial launch market. CAS Space plans to develop larger, liquid-fueled rockets in the future to meet the growing demand for satellite launches.
Deep Blue Aerospace
Deep Blue Aerospace, founded in 2017, is focusing on the development of reusable rockets for the commercial market. The company is currently working on the Nebula-1 rocket, a small-lift launch vehicle designed to carry payloads of up to 500 kg to LEO. Deep Blue Aerospace has conducted several successful tests of the Nebula-1’s engines and plans to perform the rocket’s first orbital launch in the near future. The company is also developing the larger Nebula-2 rocket, which will have a payload capacity of around 4.5 tons to LEO.
Linkspace
Linkspace, established in 2014, is another Chinese company working on reusable rocket technology. The company has developed the New Line-1 rocket, a small-lift launch vehicle designed to carry payloads of up to 200 kg to LEO. Linkspace has conducted several successful tests of the New Line-1’s reusable first-stage engines and plans to perform the rocket’s first orbital launch in the coming years. The company is also working on the larger New Line-2 rocket, which will have a payload capacity of around 2 tons to LEO.
Summary
China’s commercial launch vehicle industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, with numerous private companies developing their own rockets to meet the increasing demand for satellite launches. These companies, including LandSpace, iSpace, Galactic Energy, Space Pioneer, Orienspace, CAS Space, Deep Blue Aerospace, and Linkspace, are driving innovation in the industry and complementing the efforts of state-owned enterprises.
As these companies continue to develop and improve their launch vehicles, they are expected to play an increasingly important role in China’s space ambitions. With a focus on cost-effectiveness, reliability, and reusability, China’s commercial launch vehicle providers are well-positioned to compete in the global market and contribute to the country’s growing space capabilities.
