Beijing: China has shortlisted four commercial rocket companies as potential launch providers for the Qingzhou cargo spacecraft, a move that could open the door for greater private-sector participation in the country's space station support missions.
The next-generation Qingzhou cargo spacecraft is expected to launch in January 2027 and will play a key role in transporting supplies and equipment to China's orbiting space station. The selection process marks an important step in integrating commercial space companies into national space infrastructure projects.
Designed for efficient cargo transport, the spacecraft will have a launch mass of about five tonnes and the ability to deliver more than 1.8 tonnes of supplies to orbit. It will also be capable of returning up to two tonnes of cargo to Earth, enhancing flexibility for scientific and operational missions.
The spacecraft will feature a cargo storage volume of nine cubic metres and an internal volume of 27 cubic metres, providing ample space for research equipment, experiments and station necessities. The initiative reflects China's broader efforts to expand commercial participation in its rapidly growing space sector while strengthening the logistics capabilities of its space station program.
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