Chinese companies developing multiple reusable carrier rockets

(ECNS) -- Chinese aerospace companies are developing various reusable carrier rockets, which are scheduled for maiden flights over the next two years, aerospace experts revealed at the 2024 Wenchang International Aviation & Aerospace Forum on Monday.

The forum kicked off on Sunday in south China’s Hainan Province, with experts and representatives from global scientific research institutes and financial institutes participating.

Fan Ruixiang, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and chief designer at the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, highlighted that the key to rocket reusability lies in the recovery of the first stage.

This process encompasses several crucial stages, including ascent, separation of the first and second stages, attitude control and coasting, fairing separation, powered and aerodynamic deceleration, and powered landing, he added.

Powered deceleration and aerodynamic deceleration are the most critical and risky stages, noted Fan.

He further pointed out that several Chinese companies are now developing commercial rockets, with diameters ranging from 3.35 to 4.5 meters. These rockets are expected to launch in the coming year and the year after.

Li Guoping, chief engineer of the China National Space Administration, revealed that there are currently over 500 commercial aerospace companies in China.

Li believes that Hainan’s unique geographical advantages make it an ideal location for the development of commercial aerospace. He suggested that Hainan focus on the upcoming maiden flights of reusable launch vehicles and plan for the construction of rocket landing platforms, offshore recovery platforms, and port transportation systems.

Experts predict that with China’s advancements in reusable rockets, commercial aerospace will usher in a new era of high-frequency launches and cost-effective services.

By 2030, China’s commercial satellite launches could reach 1,500 to 2,000 per year, generating a demand for at least 150 to 200 rocket launches annually.