Rethinking the Final Frontier Through the Lens of Reusable Rockets
Private Chinese launch providers are making significant strides in the realm of rocket reusability, as evidenced by recent high-altitude tests of Vertical Takeoff and Vertical Landing (VTVL) prototype vehicles. This energetic push toward reusability is not only enhancing capabilities but also driving down costs, potentially revolutionizing the landscape of commercial spaceflight.
Deep Blue Aerospace and Landspace lead the way with their latest VTVL prototype tests. Deep Blue Aerospace is set to launch its Xingyun-1 reusable vehicle to altitudes between 5 and 10 km. Meanwhile, Landspace’s ZhuQue-3 prototype has already etched its name in the records by successfully achieving a 10 km high-altitude flight in late August. The ZhuQue-3’s test flight, which lasted an impressive 200 seconds, showcased critical milestones, including an engine reignition test while providing an intriguing visual narrative reminiscent of SpaceX’s Grasshopper.
Landspace documented its flight with compelling video footage, capturing views from landing legs that offer a unique perspective of the vehicle’s ascent and descent. One particular highlight was the secondary ignition event where the raceway cover was blown away, a detail that the company is addressing in its next iteration of the vehicle. The test also revealed the ZhuQue-3’s engine capabilities, achieving a maximum velocity of approximately Mach 0.8 and executing a successful engine cut-off at 113 seconds into flight.
The ZhuQue-3 landed just 1.2 meters off-center from its designated pad, demonstrating the precision with which these vehicles can return to Earth. Landspace’s plans for the vehicle are ambitious, aiming for a maiden launch in June next year, with a target of achieving recovery of the rocket by 2026. The larger ZhuQue-3 vehicle is designed with nine Tianque-12B engines, which utilize liquid methane and oxygen as propellant, pointing toward an environmentally friendly future for space travel.
Deep Blue Aerospace has its own aspirations, preparing for a significant VTVL test flight at its Ejin Banner site. The Xingyun-1 aims to launch by the end of this year and is built with a reusable booster system capable of propulsive landings. If successful, it could be the first Chinese orbital rocket to undertake a launch-and-land attempt, potentially outpacing its competitor, the Tianlong-3. The vehicle’s design mirrors that of SpaceX’s Falcon 9, featuring nine 3D-printed Leiting-R1 engines that have already completed static fire tests, solidifying the company’s engineering confidence.
Investment in these endeavors is robust, with Deep Blue Aerospace securing additional funding earlier this year to support its vision of entering the mega constellation market. Their roadmap includes scaling up the Xingyun-2 design, which would increase payload capacity significantly, thus enhancing their competitive edge in a rapidly evolving sector.
The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST) is also in the mix, preparing for a series of VTVL tests later this year, aiming for a 75 km flight. SAST is backing these efforts with its Chang Zheng 12 medium-lift carrier, which awaits its inaugural flight from the Hainan Commercial Launch Pad.
Beyond VTVL developments, robust advancements are also occurring within China’s broader lunar exploration ambitions. The establishment of a new engine test center in Shaanxi aims to support the China Manned Space Agency’s crewed lunar lander, Lanyue, signaling China’s commitment to landing astronauts on the Moon by 2030. The facility is equipped to simulate high-altitude conditions and has completed its first test firing, enhancing confidence in upcoming lunar missions.
China’s accomplishments in space are not limited to rockets and lunar missions. Recent developments, including the successful deployment of the BeiDou satellites, further showcase the nation’s commitment to deepening its footprint in space-based navigation and communication systems. Remarkably, China’s BeiDou system, now boasting 60 satellites, has been noted for its precision, purportedly surpassing the American GPS in post-processing accuracy.
Commercial launches have become increasingly pivotal, with commercial providers accounting for about 28% of total launches this year. The landscape is evolving as companies explore innovative approaches to satellite deployments, navigation systems, and routine space travel, promising to reshape the future of aerospace.
The fast-paced progress in VTVL testing and development reflects a growing commitment to making reusability a cornerstone of Chinese space endeavors. As these companies continue to innovate and enhance their technologies, the future of space exploration could very well see a new era where reusability drives down costs and increases the frequency of launches, making space more accessible than ever before.