Recently, the second stage propulsion system of Kinetica 2 has been delivered to the CAS Space Liquid Propulsion System Test Center for performance debugging and validation testing.
Kinetica 2 is scheduled to launch its maiden flight in September this year. Let's take a look at the highlights of this new rocket.
Rendering of carrier rocket Kinetica 2
Kinetica 2 is a medium-lift, liquid-fuel carrier rocket self-developed by CAS Space. Designed based on the principles of standardization, modularization, and configurability, the rocket offers high payload capacity, enhanced reliability, and reduced costs. It aims to support China's large-scale satellite constellation networks and the need for low-cost cargo transport.
The rocket features a CBC configuration, a core stage diameter of 3.35 meters, a total length of 52 meters, a liftoff weight of 625 tons, and a liftoff thrust of 766 tons. With a payload capacity of 8 tons to Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) and 12 tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the rocket is capable of launching into Sun-synchronous, low-Earth, and transfer orbits. This capability will further enhance China's ability to conduct large-scale, low-cost space missions and advance the nation's commercial space industry.
As one of China's key aviation hubs and manufacturing centers, Guangzhou has a solid foundation and significant potential in aerospace manufacturing. Parts of the aerospace industrial chain have already been established in Nansha District, and the city's overall aerospace manufacturing capabilities continue to grow.
CAS Space industrial base in Nansha District, Guangzhou
In recent years, unicorn companies in the aerospace sector, such as CAS Space and Geespace, have established bases in Nansha. Among these, the CAS Space industrial base is China's first commercial aerospace base with a full industrial chain, filling a gap in Guangzhou's aerospace manufacturing sector. The base is capable of producing 30 rockets annually.
On September 29, 2020, the Zhongke Aerospace Flight Technology Industrialization Base officially broke ground in Nansha. On January 9, 2023, the CAS Space industrial base, the country's first full industrial chain commercial aerospace base, was completed and put into operation. Following several successful launches in 2023 and 2024, the second-stage propulsion system of Kinetica 2 is now undergoing testing and validation.
Rendering of the Liquid Propulsion System Test Center
Located in Aotou Town, Conghua District, Guangzhou, the CAS Space Liquid Propulsion System Test Center is listed as a key project of Guangdong Province in 2023. It is capable of carrying out comprehensive tests for liquid-fueled engines with a maximum thrust of 200 metric tons and integrated liquid-propellant propulsion systems with a top thrust of 400 tons, significantly advancing the development of critical technologies for the reusability of commercial rockets.
Editor | Zhang Yuan (intern), Liu Lingzhi, James, Shen He
Photo | Guangzhou Nansha Fabu
