China Prepares Haolong and Qingzhou Spacecrafts For Maiden Flights On Commercial Rockets to Tiangong

In a significant step forward for China’s evolving space ecosystem, the country is preparing to launch two innovative, low-cost cargo spacecraft to resupply the Tiangong space station later this year.

A Strategic Shift Toward Low-Cost Cargo Systems

The cargo spacecraft initiative stems from a 2023 call for proposals by the China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMSEO) for low-cost cargo transportation solutions to support Tiangong.

Out of 10 submissions, four proposals entered the detailed design phase in September 2023, and two winning designs—Haolong and Qingzhou—were selected in October 2024.

This shift toward competitive selection and commercial integration is a key indicator of China’s efforts to diversify and modernize its space infrastructure.

Haolong Cargo Space Shuttle Mission

The first mission will see the Haolong cargo space shuttle, developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute under the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), launched aboard Landspace’s Zhuque-3 rocket.

This mission was confirmed in a February 2 report from state media outlet China National Radio.

The Zhuque-3, a reusable stainless steel rocket powered by methane and liquid oxygen, is slated for its maiden flight in the third quarter of this year.

The Haolong spacecraft measures 10 meters in length, weighs around 7,000 kilograms, and features the capability to land on a runway, making it reusable and offering a key advancement in downmass capabilities.

This development will enable the return of scientific equipment and experimental payloads from Tiangong—a crucial capacity given that China’s current options for downmass are limited to the Shenzhou crewed spacecraft.

Qingzhou Cargo Mission

The second mission involves the Qingzhou cargo spacecraft, developed by the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IAMCAS).

It will be launched aboard the first flight of the CAS Space Kinetica-2 (Lijian-2) rocket, with a planned launch no earlier than September.

The Qingzhou-1 is a single-module spacecraft with a 27-cubic-meter cargo bay, capable of carrying between 1,800 and 2,000 kilograms of supplies.

Diversifying Supply Routes

Both AVIC and IAMCAS are state-owned entities, but this shift marks a significant departure from the long-standing dominance of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) in producing all spacecraft and modules for the Tiangong space station. Integrating spacecraft from non-CASC entities and utilizing commercial launch providers, including Landspace and CAS Space (a spinoff of the Chinese Academy of Sciences), represents a broadening of the country’s space sector.

This development mirrors NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) program, which helped foster commercial participation in space activities.

Until now, China has relied exclusively on the Tianzhou cargo spacecraft for Tiangong resupply missions. The Tianzhou spacecraft, launched on expendable Long March 7 rockets, are destroyed upon reentry. The addition of reusable and potentially cost-effective cargo spacecraft provides much-needed flexibility and redundancy.

Upcoming Tiangong Missions

China’s launch plans for Tiangong in 2025 include two crewed missions—Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21—along with a single Tianzhou cargo mission. The introduction of smaller cargo spacecraft and reusable rockets is expected to enhance operational efficiency and lower overall costs.

Landspace’s Targets 3 Zhuque-3 Launches in 2025

Landspace’s Zhuque-3 is central to China’s plans to develop reusable launch technology.

The rocket’s 4.5-meter-diameter first stage is designed to be reused for at least 20 flights. In expendable mode, it can deliver 21,000 kilograms to low Earth orbit (LEO) or 18,300 kilograms when operating in reusable mode.

Landspace also aims to recover the first stage through powered descent and landing legs.

The company is targeting three Zhuque-3 launches in 2025, including the Haolong mission and a key launch for the Guowang megaconstellation—China’s response to the Starlink and other global satellite networks. Guowang, along with the Thousand Sails constellation, will require efficient and cost-effective launch options, making commercial participation essential to meeting deployment timelines.

In addition, Landspace plans six launches of the smaller, expendable Zhuque-2 rocket, further contributing to the expansion of China’s commercial launch capabilities.

A Big Year For China’s Space Sector

The upcoming cargo missions, combined with an array of new launch vehicles and a focus on reusability, position 2025 as a pivotal year for China’s space ambitions.

The success of these missions could cement the role of commercial actors in China’s space program and pave the way for further innovation in reusable technology and cost-efficient space exploration.