Chinese private aerospace firm i-Space is making significant strides in reusable rocket technology with its Xingji Guihang (Interstellar Return) platform, aiming for a late 2025 launch of its SQX-3 (Hyperbola-3) rocket. This development positions China as a key player in the global race for cost-effective space access, mirroring advancements seen with companies like SpaceX in the United States.
The Xingji Guihang is a substantial maritime recovery vessel, measuring nearly 100 meters in length and 42 meters in width. It is equipped with a DP2 class dynamic positioning system, ensuring precise station-keeping for the critical task of first-stage rocket recovery at sea. This capability is vital for reducing the overall cost of regular space launches, which in turn facilitates more frequent deployment of scientific equipment, including telescopes, interplanetary probes, and satellites for astronomical research. The strategic use of sea platforms for rocket stage recovery is a paradigm shift in spaceflight economics. By enabling the reuse of expensive rocket components, the cost per launch can be dramatically reduced, potentially by up to 70% compared to traditional expendable rockets. This cost-efficiency is akin to the evolution of air travel, where reusable aircraft have made flying accessible to a much broader audience. As reusable rocket technology matures, it promises to unlock new opportunities in commercial space activities, space tourism, and ambitious scientific exploration missions that were previously cost-prohibitive.
i-Space plans to utilize the Xingji Guihang for the recovery of the first stage of its SQX-3 rocket, with recovery tests scheduled for Hainan province in the winter. This initiative aligns with China's broader strategy to bolster its commercial space sector through private investment and technological innovation. The company is also developing other variants of the Hyperbola-3, including the SQX-3A with a side booster and the SQX-3B, offering a versatile range of payload capacities.
Meanwhile, China's Tiangong space station continues to serve as a vital orbital laboratory. As of December 1, 2024, the station has implemented 181 scientific and application projects, with ongoing research into areas such as cellular processes, material science, and life support systems. Astronauts aboard Tiangong are engaged in a diverse array of microgravity experiments, exploring everything from the effects of space conditions on biological rhythms using fruit flies to the potential for artificial photosynthesis to generate oxygen and rocket fuel. These experiments not only advance our understanding of space environments but also lay the groundwork for sustained human presence and future deep-space missions.