A scaled-down model of the "Haolong", China's independently designed and developed cargo spacecraft, was officially unveiled in Zhuhai. The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) announced that the "Haolong" has completed its conceptual design and has entered full-scale engineering development, with the goal of conducting its first cargo transportation mission to the space station in the near future.
The "Haolong" cargo spacecraft is a winged, low-cost vehicle specifically designed for transporting cargo to and from space stations. Combining characteristics of both spacecraft and aircraft, it can be launched into orbit using a rocket and land on an airport runway, much like an airplane.
Compared to traditional cargo spacecraft, the "Haolong" stands out for its exceptional reusability, enabling both upward and downward cargo transport to and from space stations. Its capability for multiple reuses significantly reduces the cost of space station cargo transportation. When integrated with existing cargo transport systems, it helps establish a safe, versatile, flexible, and highly efficient cargo transportation network between Earth and space.
Planning | Cao Si
Coordination | Zhang Zhe, Liu Zikui, Li Hengdan
Text | Fu Qianying
Hand-drawing | Liao Chunyan
Animation | Zhang Ruiwei, Deng Yingheng
Editor | Zhang Xuanzhen, Wei Shen, Jiang Chang, James, Shen He
