CAS Space has officially set the launch of its Kinetica-2 reusable liquid rocket for late March. This launch will take place from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi Desert and will carry a prototype of the Qingzhou-1 cargo spacecraft into orbit.
CAS Space Readies The Kinetica-2 Rocket For Launch
Later this month, CAS Space will perform the inaugural launch of the Kinetica-2 rocket. This rocket will be reusable and will also rely on three YF-102 kerosene-liquid oxygen engines to power its three core stages.
The rocket is also 53m in length and will be the upgraded version of the Kinetica-1 rocket, which has been in use since 2025. In comparison with its predecessor, capable of launching up to 1500kg to 500km Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO), the Kinetica-2 rocket will be able to haul up to 7800kg to the same height.
If this coming launch is successful, CAS Space plans three more launches within the year for the Kinetica-2 reusable liquid rocket. These launches will take internet megaconstellation satellites and other national payloads into orbit.
Since this is a reusable rocket, CAS Space won’t bother about developing more rockets to cater for the launch needs of its clients. With more reusable rockets being rolled out by the government and commercial space firms in the region, China might be able to strengthen its presence in space with increased launches.
Details On The Payload To Launch Aboard The CAS Space Kinetica-2 Rocket Later This Month
Aboard this inaugural launch of the Kinetica-2 reusable liquid rocket will be the prototype Qingzhou-1 spacecraft. This spacecraft was developed by the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IAMCAS).
The spacecraft is reportedly a low-cost space station resupply vehicle. There are two of these vehicles, and both were developed by the CMSEO to support operations aboard the Tiangong space station.
Since the Qingzhou-1 spacecraft to launch aboard the Kinetica-2 rocket is a prototype, it might be used to test the operation of the actual spacecraft. The full version of the spacecraft, which will launch to the Tiangong Space Station, is currently under development.
