China's iSpace Successfully Launches & Lands Rocket Test Stage
On November 2, 2023, Chinese commercial rocket company iSpace successfully launched and landed a test stage for its Hyperbola-2 reusable rocket. The test flight took place from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China, and marked a significant milestone for the company's development of reusable launch vehicles.
The Hyperbola-2Y test stage, a single-stage hopper, rose to an altitude of 178.4 meters during its 51-second flight. It then performed a powered descent and soft landing, supported by four landing legs. The successful landing was achieved with a precision of 1.7 meters, demonstrating iSpace's control over its landing technology.
The Hyperbola-2Y test stage is powered by a variable thrust Focus-1 engine, which is also being developed by iSpace. The engine is designed to provide the necessary thrust for both the rocket's ascent and descent.
The successful launch and landing of the Hyperbola-2Y test stage is a major step forward for iSpace's efforts to develop a reusable launch vehicle. The company is now one step closer to realizing its goal of providing low-cost launch services for commercial and government satellites.
Reusable launch vehicles are seen as the key to making space travel more affordable and accessible. By eliminating the need to dispose of an entire rocket after each launch, reusable rockets can significantly reduce the cost of space launches.
iSpace is one of several Chinese companies developing reusable launch vehicles. Other companies include Galactic Energy, CAS Space, and Deep Blue Aerospace. The successful development of reusable launch vehicles by Chinese companies could help China to become a major player in the global space industry.
The successful launch and landing of the Hyperbola-2Y test stage is a significant achievement for iSpace and for China's space industry. The company is now one step closer to realizing its goal of providing low-cost launch services for commercial and government satellites.
