Chinese Company Aims for First Launch of Powerful New Rocket in 2025

Chinese Company Aims for First Launch of Powerful New Rocket in 2025

A Chinese launch company, CAS Space, is aiming for the first launch of its Kinetic-2 liquid propellant rocket in August 2025. CAS Space, which stands for Zhongke Aerospace Exploration Technology Company, has previously launched the Kinetica-1 (Lijian-1) solid rocket, achieving a national record for the number of satellites on a single launch. Now, the company is gearing up for a more ambitious project with the development of the larger and more intricate Kinetic-2 liquid propellant launcher, which is slated to be reusable in the future.

The Kinetic-2 rocket is planned to stand at 174 feet (53 meters) tall, featuring an 11-foot-wide (3.35 m) core stage along with two side boosters, as shared by Yang Haoliang, CAS Space's vice-president, in a statement to Chinese media on January 12. Fueled by kerosene and liquid oxygen, this rocket is designed to carry a payload of 17,200 pounds (7,800 kilograms) into a sun-synchronous orbit or 26,450 pounds (12,000 kg) into low Earth orbit.

CAS Space envisions early Kinetic-2 launches to carry experimental payloads for reusability development. The company plans to progressively achieve core stage and booster reusability by 2028. Taking steps toward reusable rocket technology, CAS Space conducted liftoffs and landings with a jet-powered prototype in April last year. This prototype tested the guidance, navigation, control systems, and the necessary software and communications for achieving reusability. Established in December 2018 as a spinoff from the state-owned Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), CAS Space is not involved in launching China's major civilian or military missions. Instead, it is focused on carving out its own commercial future. Apart from its rocket endeavors, the company is also engaged in developing a suborbital tourism service akin to U.S. company Blue Origin. Additionally, it is initiating a low-cost rideshare program to facilitate affordable space science missions.

In the competitive landscape of China's commercial space industry, CAS Space will face rivals such as Landspace, iSpace, Space Pioneer, Galactic Energy, and Orienspace. The company's multifaceted approach, encompassing reusable rockets, tourism, and affordable rideshare programs, reflects its ambition to play a significant role in the rapidly evolving space sector.