Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
3 min of reading 
0 comments 
New generation of Chinese rockets bets on standardization, reuse, and flexibility to expand presence in low orbit
China has reached a new stage in its commercial space program with the launch of the Lijian-2 Y1 rocket, developed by CAS Space, consolidating industrial advances in the aerospace sector.
The mission took place at the Dongfeng Space Innovation Center in the northwest of the country, as reported by CAS Space in 2024, marking the debut of a system designed for large-scale production.
The rocket carried three payloads into orbit, including the experimental spacecraft Qingzhou and two satellites, expanding China’s presence in low orbit.
-
Cabbage, kale, and broccoli are used to mine thallium metal in toxic soils and provide raw materials for the high-tech industry.
-
New air-powered artificial muscles allow machines to lift up to 100 times their own weight with fluid movements.
-
New system that detects danger, decides the ideal route, and overcomes obstacles in heavy cargo transportation
-
Researchers develop a new advanced encryption system to protect video files against the future threat of quantum computing attacks.
Industrial project bets on standardization to accelerate launches
The Lijian-2 uses an architecture based on structural standardization, allowing for mass production of components, similar to an industrial assembly line.
The central body and the side boosters follow practically the same pattern, which facilitates quick replacements before takeoff.
According to Lian Jie, deputy chief engineer of the project, the uniformity of the systems reduces delays and increases launch frequency.
The rocket operates with ten engines that follow the same design, with nine in the first stage and one in the second, simplifying maintenance and replacement.
Flexible configuration expands use in different missions
The Lijian-2 allows for different configurations depending on the mission.
The vehicle can fly without auxiliary boosters or with two or four attached boosters, adjusting its operational capacity.
With this, the thrust reaches up to one thousand tons, while the payload varies between 2 and 20 tons in low orbit.
This range serves satellites and space operations with greater versatility.
Reuse system improves safety and control
The recovery system represents another significant advancement.
The Lijian-2 returns with the central stage and the attached boosters as a single structure, unlike traditional models.
According to Lian Jie, this strategy improves control during descent, reduces landing impacts, and increases system safety.
This solution also reduces costs and increases the reliability of future operations.
Qingzhou spacecraft emerges as a lighter and more economical alternative
The experimental spacecraft Qingzhou also gained prominence in the mission.
The vehicle had a total weight of 4.2 tons and serves as a lighter and more economical alternative to the Tianzhou spacecraft.
In this test flight, the Qingzhou carried 1.02 tons of scientific experiments, which will take place between 200 and 600 kilometers in altitude.
The spacecraft is expected to perform periodic dockings with the Chinese space station when it enters regular operation.
Commercial space sector enters integration phase
According to Yang Haoliang, the overall commander of the project, China’s commercial space sector is undergoing a significant structural change.
The country is advancing from the phase of isolated technology development to the integration of complete systems.
The goal is to offer more economical, reliable, and frequent launch services, as highlighted to the Chinese official press in 2024.
This advancement reinforces China’s strategy to expand its presence in low orbit with scalable and reusable industrial solutions — will this be the dominant model of the next phase of the space race?
Seja o primeiro a reagir!