A significant development in China's commercial space sector is unfolding as Beijing Ziwei Yutong Technology Co., Ltd. (AZSpace) sets its sights on crewed orbital spaceflight. Zhang Xiaomin, chairman of AZSpace, revealed to Securities Daily that “we plan to officially conduct orbital manned flight tests in 2027 or 2028.” This announcement marks a potential shift, as China’s human spaceflight missions have, until now, been solely managed by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
Established in 2019, AZSpace, backed by venture capital, focuses on spacecraft manufacturing and space tourism. While the company’s ambitious plans are clear, details about funding and potential state support remain undisclosed. This development aligns with the Chinese government’s designation of commercial space as a key emerging industry.
Zhang Xiaomin outlined AZSpace's 2025 plans: launching the B300 spacecraft in July and the more advanced DEAR-5 spacecraft in September. These launches will include on-orbit docking verification and reentry tests. The company is also developing the C2000 spacecraft, with a payload capacity of 2,000 kg, as a stepping stone to crewed spacecraft. The timeline for the C2000 appears ambitious, and no launch partner has been named.
AZSpace isn't alone in targeting space tourism. Companies like CAS Space and Deep Blue Aerospace are developing suborbital spacecraft, while Interstellar is working on a suborbital tourism spacecraft. China is also exploring opening the Tiangong space station to tourists.
Since 2014, China has been opening its space sector to commercial activities. This has led to advancements in launch vehicles, satellites, and space systems. With AZSpace's push for crewed orbital spaceflight, China’s commercial space sector may be entering a new era of private involvement in human spaceflight.