On Thursday, May 17, a privately-owned Chinese space rocket was launched in Northwestern China and marked the largest milestone for the country's space exploration program.
According to the report of Xinhua, the launch of the "Chongqing Liangjiang Star" rocket, developed by Beijing private firm One Space Technology, marks the first time a non-state Chinese rocket has successfully entered orbit. The company's chairman, Mao Chao, shared that the rocket is powered by a special solid fuel engine developed by the company and the control system is customizable based on the uses preferences. The rocket, also known as OS-XO, can also carry a 100-kilogram load into orbit 800 kilometers from earth.
Xinhua also adds that the rocket uses energy-saving technology in order to cut the fuel costs. For example, it uses wireless communication to reduce its weight and lowered the fuel costs by up to 30%.
OneSpace was established in 2015 and was one of the government's efforts to promote Chinese commercial space flight and encourage the private sector to invest in the program.
In his statement with China Daily last week, the company's founder Shu Chang said that the company expects 10 missions for carrier rockets by 2019 and adds "I hope we can become one of the biggest small-satellite launchers in the world."
Last year, the company teamed up with Chongqing Liangjiang Aviation Industry Investment Group to build a joint research and manufacturing base in Chongqing. Shu shared that the base's location is a part of China's Belt and Road Initiative and would provide a large export market for OneSpace once they are fully operational.
Shu also adds "We will develop bigger rockets in the future and participate in the global competition."
