Commercial recoverable spacecraft completes test flight in China

A Chinese spacecraft designed for space tourism on Monday completed its suborbital flight test mission in northwest China.

Using a parachute-recovery system, the recoverable payload capsule landed safely and was retrieved at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

Using a parachute-recovery system, the recoverable payload capsule landed safely and was retrieved at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. PHOTO: XINHUA

The flight test demonstrated the re-entry deceleration and completed the verification of recoverable payload module, and showcased the precision landing-control technology for the spacecraft's sub-stage, paving the way for the development of future space tourism activities, according to its developer, commercial Chinese aerospace enterprise CAS Space.

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Designated Lihong-1 Y1, the spacecraft can reach altitudes of approximately 120 kilometers. It has low launch costs, a high level of flexibility, and the capability to recover experimental payloads.

For payloads, it can provide a highly stable and multi-functional experimental environment lasting more than 300 seconds, the company said.