Reusability Archives - SpaceNews https://spacenews.com/tag/reusability/ Covering the business and politics of space Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:37:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://spacenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/cropped-SN_forza_star-32x32.png Reusability Archives - SpaceNews https://spacenews.com/tag/reusability/ 32 32 80681979 Orienspace targets 2025 test flight of Gravity-2 after engine test https://spacenews.com/orienspace-targets-2025-test-flight-of-gravity-2-after-engine-test/ Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:37:08 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=528389

Chinese commercial launch firm Orienspace is aiming for a late 2025 debut of its Gravity-2 rocket following a recent first-stage engine hot fire test.

The post Orienspace targets 2025 test flight of Gravity-2 after engine test appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
528389
Landspace performs 9-engine static fire test for reusable Zhuque-3 rocket  https://spacenews.com/landspace-performs-9-engine-static-fire-test-for-reusable-zhuque-3-rocket/ https://spacenews.com/landspace-performs-9-engine-static-fire-test-for-reusable-zhuque-3-rocket/#respond Fri, 20 Jun 2025 09:09:04 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=519587 Zhuque-3 first stage stands vertically on the launch pad at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, secured to a large blue service tower, with the sun setting behind it. The stainless steel rocket displays the Landspace logo prominently.

Chinese launch startup Landspace carried out a breakthrough static fire test Friday as it builds towards an orbital launch attempt with its Zhuque-3 rocket.

The post Landspace performs 9-engine static fire test for reusable Zhuque-3 rocket  appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/landspace-performs-9-engine-static-fire-test-for-reusable-zhuque-3-rocket/feed/ 0 519587
China’s Astronstone raises early funding for stainless steel rocket with “chopstick” recovery https://spacenews.com/chinas-astronstone-raises-early-funding-for-stainless-steel-rocket-with-chopstick-recovery/ https://spacenews.com/chinas-astronstone-raises-early-funding-for-stainless-steel-rocket-with-chopstick-recovery/#respond Fri, 30 May 2025 10:00:29 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=518490 Astronstone's stainless steel rocket stage and AS-1 scale model inside a production facility in China, featuring prominent weld lines and branding; a large banner on the wall displays Chinese characters.

Astronstone, one of China’s newest commercial launch startups, has raised early-stage funding for a stainless steel, reusable launch vehicle modeled on SpaceX’s Starship system.

The post China’s Astronstone raises early funding for stainless steel rocket with “chopstick” recovery appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/chinas-astronstone-raises-early-funding-for-stainless-steel-rocket-with-chopstick-recovery/feed/ 0 518490
Chinese launch startup conducts vertical takeoff and splashdown test https://spacenews.com/chinese-launch-startup-conducts-vertical-takeoff-and-splashdown-test/ https://spacenews.com/chinese-launch-startup-conducts-vertical-takeoff-and-splashdown-test/#respond Thu, 29 May 2025 10:13:29 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=518400 A tall, cylindrical rocket is captured in the final moments of a vertical descent, hovering just above the surface of calm coastal waters during sunrise. Bright orange engine flames and thick plumes of white smoke billow outward as the rocket slows its descent for a soft splashdown. The scene is framed by a hazy sky, with distant land barely visible on the horizon. The water below reflects the rocket's light, and the atmosphere appears serene despite the powerful landing burn.

Chinese rocket maker Sepoch has carried out a first vertical liftoff and splashdown landing ahead of a potential orbital launch attempt later this year.

The post Chinese launch startup conducts vertical takeoff and splashdown test appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/chinese-launch-startup-conducts-vertical-takeoff-and-splashdown-test/feed/ 0 518400
China’s iSpace secures D round funding, targets December orbital launch and landing https://spacenews.com/chinas-ispace-secures-d-round-funding-targets-december-orbital-launch-and-landing/ https://spacenews.com/chinas-ispace-secures-d-round-funding-targets-december-orbital-launch-and-landing/#respond Fri, 14 Mar 2025 09:51:15 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=514486

HELSINKI — Chinese commercial launch company iSpace has secured new funding as it prepares for a first launch of its Hyperbola-3 reusable rocket. The company, full name Beijing Interstellar Glory […]

The post China’s iSpace secures D round funding, targets December orbital launch and landing appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/chinas-ispace-secures-d-round-funding-targets-december-orbital-launch-and-landing/feed/ 0 514486
South Korea approves strategic plans for space https://spacenews.com/south-korea-approves-strategic-plans-for-space/ https://spacenews.com/south-korea-approves-strategic-plans-for-space/#respond Fri, 28 Feb 2025 10:17:53 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=513660 South Korea’s KSLV-2 rocket blasts off from a seaside launchpad.

HELSINKI — South Korea has approved new space strategies, including plans for reusable launch vehicles, as it seeks to become one of the world’s top five space powers. The Korea […]

The post South Korea approves strategic plans for space appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/south-korea-approves-strategic-plans-for-space/feed/ 0 513660
Chinese launch startup secures early funding for fully reusable rocket plan https://spacenews.com/chinese-launch-startup-secures-early-funding-for-fully-reusable-rocket-plan/ https://spacenews.com/chinese-launch-startup-secures-early-funding-for-fully-reusable-rocket-plan/#respond Mon, 27 Jan 2025 19:30:56 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=512018 Artistic rendering of the Black Bird-1 rocket (Xuanniao-1) in space, showcasing its sleek stainless steel body, aerodynamic design, and methane-liquid oxygen engine plume against the backdrop of Earth and the moon.

HELSINKI — One of China’s latest commercial launch companies has secured early funding as it aims to develop a launcher featuring first and second stage reuse. Nayuta Space secured “tens […]

The post Chinese launch startup secures early funding for fully reusable rocket plan appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/chinese-launch-startup-secures-early-funding-for-fully-reusable-rocket-plan/feed/ 0 512018
China performs high altitude reusable rocket test with uncertain outcome https://spacenews.com/china-performs-high-altitude-reusable-rocket-test-with-uncertain-outcome/ https://spacenews.com/china-performs-high-altitude-reusable-rocket-test-with-uncertain-outcome/#respond Mon, 20 Jan 2025 09:08:46 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=511698 A SAST (Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology) vertical takeoff, vertical landing (VTVL) rocket prototype during a test flight, kicking up dust from the ground. The rocket's engines emit a bright flame, indicating an active and controlled descent. The test was conducted in a desert-like environment under clear skies.

HELSINKI — A Chinese state-owned company performed a rocket flight aimed at testing reentry and landing burns late Saturday without announcing the outcome. The Longxing-2 test article lifted off at […]

The post China performs high altitude reusable rocket test with uncertain outcome appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/china-performs-high-altitude-reusable-rocket-test-with-uncertain-outcome/feed/ 0 511698
Chinese launch startup Cosmoleap secures funding for rocket featuring chopstick recovery system https://spacenews.com/chinese-launch-startup-cosmoleap-secures-funding-for-rocket-featuring-chopstick-recovery-system/ https://spacenews.com/chinese-launch-startup-cosmoleap-secures-funding-for-rocket-featuring-chopstick-recovery-system/#respond Fri, 01 Nov 2024 09:33:49 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=507965

HELSINKI — Chinese launch firm Cosmoleap has secured more than 100 million yuan for the development of its Yueqian reusable rocket and a recovery system inspired by SpaceX. Cosmoleap announced […]

The post Chinese launch startup Cosmoleap secures funding for rocket featuring chopstick recovery system appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/chinese-launch-startup-cosmoleap-secures-funding-for-rocket-featuring-chopstick-recovery-system/feed/ 0 507965
China’s Deep Blue Aerospace reveals suborbital tourism plans https://spacenews.com/chinas-deep-blue-aerospace-reveals-suborbital-tourism-plans/ https://spacenews.com/chinas-deep-blue-aerospace-reveals-suborbital-tourism-plans/#respond Thu, 24 Oct 2024 10:40:24 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=507625

HELSINKI — Chinese launch startup Deep Blue Aerospace targets providing suborbital tourism flights starting in 2027. Deep Blue Aerospace is currently developing its Nebula-1 reusable orbital rocket and is preparing […]

The post China’s Deep Blue Aerospace reveals suborbital tourism plans appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/chinas-deep-blue-aerospace-reveals-suborbital-tourism-plans/feed/ 0 507625
Shijian-19 reusable satellite lands after 2 weeks in space https://spacenews.com/shijian-19-reusable-satellite-lands-after-2-weeks-in-space/ https://spacenews.com/shijian-19-reusable-satellite-lands-after-2-weeks-in-space/#respond Fri, 11 Oct 2024 10:55:56 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=506926

HELSINKI — China’s first retrievable and reusable satellite returned to Earth late Thursday following two weeks of experiments in low Earth orbit. The Shijian-19 satellite touched down at 10:39 p.m. […]

The post Shijian-19 reusable satellite lands after 2 weeks in space appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/shijian-19-reusable-satellite-lands-after-2-weeks-in-space/feed/ 0 506926
China launches reusable Shijian-19 satellite for space breeding and technology tests https://spacenews.com/china-launches-reusable-shijian-19-satellite-for-space-breeding-and-technology-tests/ https://spacenews.com/china-launches-reusable-shijian-19-satellite-for-space-breeding-and-technology-tests/#respond Mon, 30 Sep 2024 11:03:44 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=506507 Orange exhaust billows out from the pad as a Long March 2D rocket climbs into a clear blue sky, propelled by purple exhaust exhibiting Mach shock diamonds

HELSINKI — China launched the retrievable and reusable Shijian-19 satellite Friday to carry out a range of experiments in low Earth orbit.  A Long March 2D rocket lifted off at […]

The post China launches reusable Shijian-19 satellite for space breeding and technology tests appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/china-launches-reusable-shijian-19-satellite-for-space-breeding-and-technology-tests/feed/ 0 506507
Deep Blue Aerospace hop test suffers anomaly moments before landing https://spacenews.com/deep-blue-aerospace-hop-test-suffers-anomaly-moments-before-landing/ https://spacenews.com/deep-blue-aerospace-hop-test-suffers-anomaly-moments-before-landing/#respond Mon, 23 Sep 2024 11:20:34 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=506278 Sand blows off a desert landing pad as a Nebula-1 first stage makes a powered descent from clear blue skies towards a landing pad.

HELSINKI — Chinese commercial rocket firm Deep Blue Aerospace conducted a first-stage rocket hop test Sunday, experiencing a partial failure during the final moments of landing. Deep Blue Aerospace carried […]

The post Deep Blue Aerospace hop test suffers anomaly moments before landing appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/deep-blue-aerospace-hop-test-suffers-anomaly-moments-before-landing/feed/ 0 506278
Landspace completes 10-kilometer reusable rocket test, eyes 2025 orbital launch https://spacenews.com/landspace-completes-10-kilometer-reusable-rocket-test-eyes-2025-orbital-launch/ https://spacenews.com/landspace-completes-10-kilometer-reusable-rocket-test-eyes-2025-orbital-launch/#respond Wed, 11 Sep 2024 10:24:27 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=505687 Sand and exhaust billow out from a desert landing pad as the Zhuque-3 rocket test article makes a powered descent.

HELSINKI — Chinese launch startup Landspace conducted a 10-kilometer vertical liftoff, vertical landing test at Jiuquan spaceport Wednesday as it develops a reusable orbital rocket. The Zhuque-3 VTVL-1 reusable vertical […]

The post Landspace completes 10-kilometer reusable rocket test, eyes 2025 orbital launch appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/landspace-completes-10-kilometer-reusable-rocket-test-eyes-2025-orbital-launch/feed/ 0 505687
China’s secretive reusable spaceplane lands after 267 days in orbit https://spacenews.com/chinas-secretive-reusable-spaceplane-lands-after-267-days-in-orbit/ https://spacenews.com/chinas-secretive-reusable-spaceplane-lands-after-267-days-in-orbit/#respond Fri, 06 Sep 2024 07:27:02 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=505506

HELSINKI — China’s experimental reusable spaceplane returned to Earth late Thursday, completing its third orbital mission. State media Xinhua issued a brief report on Sept. 5 (Eastern), confirming the spacecraft’s […]

The post China’s secretive reusable spaceplane lands after 267 days in orbit appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/chinas-secretive-reusable-spaceplane-lands-after-267-days-in-orbit/feed/ 0 505506
China’s secretive spaceplane raises its orbit, but yet to deploy satellites https://spacenews.com/chinas-secretive-spaceplane-raises-its-orbit-but-yet-to-deploy-satellites/ https://spacenews.com/chinas-secretive-spaceplane-raises-its-orbit-but-yet-to-deploy-satellites/#respond Wed, 31 Jan 2024 20:37:36 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=232447 A Long March 2F carrying Shenzhou-13 rising against the backdrop of the moon on Oct. 15, 2021.

China’s experimental reusable spacecraft recently performed maneuvers to raise its orbit but is apparently yet to release objects as it did in previous flights.

The post China’s secretive spaceplane raises its orbit, but yet to deploy satellites appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/chinas-secretive-spaceplane-raises-its-orbit-but-yet-to-deploy-satellites/feed/ 0 232447
Electron launches NorthStar satellites in latest recovery test https://spacenews.com/electron-launches-northstar-satellites-in-latest-recovery-test/ https://spacenews.com/electron-launches-northstar-satellites-in-latest-recovery-test/#respond Wed, 31 Jan 2024 09:14:00 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=232303 Electron booster recovery

Rocket Lab launched the first four satellites for space situational awareness (SSA) company NorthStar Earth and Space Jan. 31 in another test for the company’s efforts to recover and eventually reuse Electron boosters.

The post Electron launches NorthStar satellites in latest recovery test appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/electron-launches-northstar-satellites-in-latest-recovery-test/feed/ 0 232303
China’s Landspace conducts first VTVL test for reusable stainless steel rocket https://spacenews.com/chinas-landspace-conducts-first-vtvl-test-for-reusable-stainless-steel-rocket/ https://spacenews.com/chinas-landspace-conducts-first-vtvl-test-for-reusable-stainless-steel-rocket/#respond Fri, 19 Jan 2024 12:14:40 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=229341 A Landspace Zhuque-3 prototype rocket stage, powered by a methane-liquid oxygen exhuast plume, in the skies above the desert at Jiuquan spaceport, Jan. 19, 2024.

Chinese launch startup Landspace executed a first vertical takeoff, vertical landing with a test article Friday at a launch and recovery site at Jiuquan spaceport.

The post China’s Landspace conducts first VTVL test for reusable stainless steel rocket appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/chinas-landspace-conducts-first-vtvl-test-for-reusable-stainless-steel-rocket/feed/ 0 229341
China launches mystery reusable spaceplane for third time https://spacenews.com/china-launches-mystery-reusable-spaceplane-for-third-time/ https://spacenews.com/china-launches-mystery-reusable-spaceplane-for-third-time/#respond Thu, 14 Dec 2023 15:09:53 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=215300 Liftoff of the Long March 2F carrying Shenzhou-12 at 9:22 p.m. Eastern, June 16, 2021.

China launched its experimental reusable spacecraft for the third time Thursday while maintaining strict secrecy around the mission.

The post China launches mystery reusable spaceplane for third time appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/china-launches-mystery-reusable-spaceplane-for-third-time/feed/ 0 215300
China’s reusable rocket race heats up with new hop test https://spacenews.com/chinas-reusable-rocket-race-heats-up-with-new-hop-test/ https://spacenews.com/chinas-reusable-rocket-race-heats-up-with-new-hop-test/#respond Mon, 11 Dec 2023 14:13:42 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=214508

Launch startup iSpace has successfully launched and landed a test article, a month after a first hop test, as Chinese reusable rocket efforts intensify.

The post China’s reusable rocket race heats up with new hop test appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/chinas-reusable-rocket-race-heats-up-with-new-hop-test/feed/ 0 214508
China is working on a design for a reusable air-launched orbital rocket https://spacenews.com/china-is-working-on-a-design-for-a-reusable-air-launched-orbital-rocket/ https://spacenews.com/china-is-working-on-a-design-for-a-reusable-air-launched-orbital-rocket/#respond Thu, 30 Nov 2023 10:49:31 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=211695 A view of the Jiuquan launch center from the Sentinel-2 satellite. China's reusable experimental spacecraft launched from the facility Sept. 4.

A Chinese launch vehicle maker is working on designs for an air-launched rocket for sending small satellites to orbit.

The post China is working on a design for a reusable air-launched orbital rocket appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/china-is-working-on-a-design-for-a-reusable-air-launched-orbital-rocket/feed/ 0 211695
China’s iSpace launches and lands rocket test stage https://spacenews.com/chinas-ispace-launches-and-lands-rocket-test-stage/ https://spacenews.com/chinas-ispace-launches-and-lands-rocket-test-stage/#respond Thu, 02 Nov 2023 13:13:26 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=203750

Chinese commercial rocket company iSpace has successfully launched and safely landed a test article on its path to developing a reusable launch vehicle.

The post China’s iSpace launches and lands rocket test stage appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/chinas-ispace-launches-and-lands-rocket-test-stage/feed/ 0 203750
Rocket Lab reuses engine on Electron launch https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-reuses-engine-on-electron-launch/ https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-reuses-engine-on-electron-launch/#respond Thu, 24 Aug 2023 01:03:04 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=176584 Electron launch August 2023

Rocket Lab successfully reflew an engine on an Electron launch Aug. 23 as the company moves a step closer to reusing the entire rocket booster.

The post Rocket Lab reuses engine on Electron launch appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-reuses-engine-on-electron-launch/feed/ 0 176584
BlackSky buys five Electron launches https://spacenews.com/blacksky-buys-five-electron-launches/ https://spacenews.com/blacksky-buys-five-electron-launches/#respond Wed, 09 Aug 2023 15:20:26 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=174338 Rocket Lab Electron launch of two BlackSky satellites

BlackSky, one of Rocket Lab’s biggest launch customers, has bought an additional five Electron launches for its next-generation imaging satellites.

The post BlackSky buys five Electron launches appeared first on SpaceNews.

]]>
https://spacenews.com/blacksky-buys-five-electron-launches/feed/ 0 174338