Beijing-Based Commercial Space Firms, Including Orienspace (Gravity-2) and i-Space (Hyperbola-3), Target 2026 Maiden Flights for Reusable Rockets

August 9, 2026

Global Times China

Overview

Multiple Beijing-based commercial space companies are accelerating plans to conduct maiden flight verification missions for reusable rockets within 2026. Key developers include Orienspace with its Gravity-2 and i-Space with Hyperbola-3, aiming to boost China’s competitiveness and technological innovation in the space industry. The Beijing municipal government is also providing strong policy support to establish a commercial space ecosystem and encourage innovation, fostering the rapid advancement of domestic space technology.

In Depth

Key Findings

Multiple Beijing-based commercial space companies are accelerating their plans to conduct maiden flight verification missions for reusable rockets within 2026. Notably, Orienspace’s “Gravity-2” and i-Space’s “Hyperbola-3” are at the forefront of this development, expected to significantly enhance technological innovation and international competitiveness within China’s commercial space industry.

Technical Details

These reusable rockets center on first-stage vertical landing technology, aiming for an operational concept similar to SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. Gravity-2 is designed for medium-lift payloads, seeking to offer greater launch capacity and frequency. Hyperbola-3, utilizing liquid propellants, is projected to substantially reduce launch costs through its reusable design. The success of these technologies is indispensable for increasing the efficiency of China’s satellite launch market and accelerating the deployment of commercial satellite constellations.

Background & Context

Since opening private investment in 2014, China has made the cultivation of its commercial space industry a national strategic priority. The Beijing municipal government aims to establish Beijing as a central hub for the commercial space ecosystem through financial incentives, R&D support, and infrastructure provision for space companies. This strong governmental backing enables private enterprises to pursue independent technological innovations and invest in high-risk, high-reward projects like reusable rockets. The acceleration of China’s reusable rocket development will likely narrow the technological gap with U.S. space companies and intensify global space industry competition.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

The maiden flight verification missions for these reusable rockets in 2026 represent crucial milestones for China’s commercial space industry. If successful, China’s rocket launch costs will significantly decrease, enhancing its presence in the international launch services market. In the future, the provision of commercial launch services is envisioned not only domestically but also to emerging markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, holding the potential to bring about significant changes in the global space economy’s power dynamics. Researchers, engineers, and investors must continue to monitor these dynamic developments in China.

Source: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202608/1367682.shtml

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