- Space Epoch expects its reusable Yuanxingzhe-1 carrier rocket to complete its maiden orbital flight and recovery test by the end of 2026.
- The startup recently completed its Series B financing round, aiming to scale up its rocket production capacity.
Chinese commercial space startup Space Epoch expects its reusable Yuanxingzhe-1 carrier rocket to make its maiden flight by the end of 2026, local media Cailian reported on Sunday.
This marks a crucial step in the commercialization of China's first carrier rocket model featuring a "stainless steel, liquid oxygen-methane, and sea recovery" design.
To date, the research and development of the mid to large-size carrier rocket has fully transitioned from the initial prototype phase into the more critical testing phase.
Throughout 2026, Space Epoch will complete the rocket's manufacturing, ground testing, maiden orbital flight, and final recovery tests, according to Cailian.
The Chinese space startup, founded in March 2022, recently completed a Series B financing round with participation from multiple investment institutions.
The completion of this Series B round officially propels Space Epoch into a new phase of scaled commercial development aimed at boosting rocket production capacity.
The aerospace company has already successfully put three Yuanxingzhe-1 rockets into production, which will undergo a series of ground tests in the second half of this year.
Looking back at its track record, the prototype rocket successfully conducted its first sea flight and recovery test in Shandong on May 29, 2025.
The 125-second flight test made Space Epoch the first private aerospace company in China to achieve a technological breakthrough in soft sea landing and recovery.
According to design specifications, the Yuanxingzhe-1 is a reusable, mid to large-size stainless steel liquid carrier rocket with a total length of 66 meters and a liftoff weight of up to 580 tons.
Its engineering design allows it to be reused up to 20 times, keeping the launch cost at no more than 20,000 yuan ($2,900) per kilogram.
China is strategically developing reusable rockets across multiple technological nodes, with both state-owned entities and private companies making sustained efforts.
In addition to Space Epoch, market competitors such as Deep Blue Aerospace, LandSpace, and Space Pioneer are also actively advancing their respective reusable carrier rocket projects.
($1 = 6.8966 yuan)
