China plans to launch two new space 'cargoes' in 2025

China is preparing to launch two additional space cargo ships in 2025. They are needed to supply the Tiangong stations. Plus, the presence of additional "trucks"will allow astronauts to quickly receive everything they need for life and work in unforeseen situations.


The new spaceships are state-owned. But they will be launched using rockets created by private companies. The last two - they won a special multi-stage competition. The main goal is to motivate private companies to join space programs. Naturally, the winners received funding. In what quantities - there is no information.

The first cargo spacecraft is called Haolong. It was developed by the state corporation AVIC. Engineers from the Chengdu Institute of Aviation Design were responsible for the direct implementation of the project.


Haolong will be launched on a commercial rocket called Zhuque-3. The latter is a creation of LandSpace. Unlike government models, Zhuque-3 is reusable. The first flight is scheduled for the third quarter of this year.

Haolong is a ten-meter space shuttle. Its main feature is the ability to use standard runways for landing. The second major advantage is that it is a full-fledged "truck". That is, it is capable of not only delivering, but also returning equipment and samples to Earth.

The second cargo spacecraft is called Qingzhou. It was created by the Chinese Academy of Sciences IAMCAS. The shuttle has compartments with a capacity of 27 m3 and is capable of carrying up to 2 tons.

The first launch of the ship is scheduled for September 2025. It will be carried out using the Lijian-2 rocket. This is a commercial development by CAS Space.


It seems that the Chinese have decided to adopt NASA's experience. They analyzed the Americans' successes and began to involve non-profit organizations in space exploration programs.

In the meantime, equipment, food and fuel are delivered to the Tiangong space stations using disposable cargo ships. They explode upon entering the atmosphere. Shuttles are launched using disposable Long March 7 rockets.

This scheme is too expensive for the Chinese government. Therefore, it was decided to move on to the next stage. This is the creation and use of reusable rockets and spaceships.