China debuts new launchers, tests orbital servicing and outlines future deep-space missions

CAS Space and Space Pioneer have both debuted new Chinese commercial launchers within days of each other, with more set to follow. Meanwhile, China conducted its first commercial demonstration of a robotic arm designed for in-space refueling, and outlined plans for future deep-space missions, including an asteroid redirection test and updated details of its crewed lunar landing program.

Eight launches took place from China during March, the last of which saw the much-anticipated debut of CAS Space's Lijian-2 (or Kinetica-2) on March 30th. This was the first of a series of maiden launches of new designs from commercial providers expected in the weeks ahead.

This three-core medium-lift launch vehicle carried a prototype of the Qingzhou cargo spacecraft on its maiden flight — one of two new craft contracted in 2024 to commercially supply the Tiangong space station. Designated as Xinzhengcheng 02 (or New March 02) on this mission, Qingzhou is a lightweight and low-cost solution that will complement the larger Tianzhou craft currently supplying the station.