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Multiple Reusable Rockets Race Toward First Flight by End of 2026
2026-05-18
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Impact score: 35
China's commercial aerospace reusable rocket technology has entered an intensive validation phase. iSpace's Hyperbola-3, a medium-to-large liquid oxygen methane reusable rocket, recently completed key ground tests including full-scale tank outflow, confirming design feasibility and steadily advancing toward its goal of 'first flight with orbital insertion plus maritime recovery' by year-end. With a liftoff mass of 490 tons, the medium configuration delivers a payload capacity of 6.2 tons to a 500 km sun-synchronous orbit (recovery mode). Meanwhile, Galactic Energy's Pallas-1, Space Transportation's Yuanxing-1, and Deep Blue Aerospace's Nebula-1 are also planning maiden flights and recovery attempts this year. The industry sees 2026 as a 'critical validation year' for China's reusable rockets, aiming to break through cost and frequency bottlenecks for space access.
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多型可重复使用火箭竞相冲刺2026年底首飞
中国商业航天可重复使用火箭技术进入密集验证期。星际荣耀公司的双曲线三号中大型液氧甲烷可重复使用火箭近日完成了全尺寸贮箱出流等关键地面试验，验证了设计合理性，正稳步推进年底实现“首飞即入轨+海上回收”的目标。该火箭起飞质量达490吨，中型构型500公里太阳同步轨道运载能力为6.2吨（回收状态）。同时，星河动力的智神星一号、箭元科技的元行者一号、深蓝航天的星云一号等型号也计划在年内开展首飞及回收尝试。业内将2026年视为中国可重复使用火箭的“关键验证之年”，将突破低成本、高频次进入空间的能力瓶颈。