China's CAS Space has achieved a major milestone in its space program. The company successfully completed a hot fire test of the first stage of its Kinetica-2 kerosene rocket on June 11th. This test, conducted at the CAS Space Liquid Propulsion Test Center in Guangzhou, is a crucial step towards the planned orbital launch of the Qingzhou-1 prototype cargo spacecraft later this year.
“The test duration covered the flight mission profile. It fully verified the coordination and compatibility of the booster’s pressurization and feed systems with the engine system, as well as the correctness of interfaces among propulsion, structure, avionics, and launch support systems,” CAS Space stated. The Kinetica-2, a 55-meter-long rocket with a 3.35m diameter, utilizes a kerosene-liquid oxygen propellant mix and three YF‑102 engines. It’s designed to carry payloads of up to 12,000 kilograms to low Earth orbit or approximately 7,800 kg to a 500-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit. The inaugural launch will carry Qingzhou-1, a spacecraft developed by the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites.
While previous announcements suggested a September launch, the recent statement from CAS Space refrained from specifying a precise timeframe. Qingzhou-1 is one of two low-cost space station resupply spacecraft developed under a program by China's human spaceflight agency, CMSEO, to support the Tiangong space station. CAS Space, a commercial spinoff from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), also plans to utilize the Kinetica-2 for launching satellites for Chinese constellation programs and aims to secure international clients. “As the first flight of Lijian-2 enters the countdown phase, this rocket is expected to become the backbone of mass constellation deployments and cost-effective cargo deliveries to China’s space station,” the company emphasized.
This successful test precedes anticipated tests by competitors Space Pioneer and Landspace. Space Pioneer is preparing a Tianlong-3 second stage test at Haiyang spaceport, following a previous setback. Landspace, meanwhile, has transported Zhuque-3 hardware to Jiuquan spaceport for testing, with plans to launch the Haolong cargo space shuttle.
The competitive landscape of China’s launch sector is heating up, with several commercial and state-owned rockets potentially conducting test orbital flights in 2025. The Kinetica-2's successful test signifies a significant step forward for CAS Space and highlights the growing ambition and competition within the Chinese space industry.