Jakarta, INTI - China launched the Lijian-2 Y1 carrier rocket on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 7:00 PM Beijing time (6:00 PM WIB) from a commercial space innovation test zone in northwestern China, successfully placing three satellites into their designated orbits.
Maiden Mission and Experimental Payload
The launch marked the maiden flight of the Lijian-2 rocket, carrying a key payload, the Qingzhou Cargo Spacecraft Test Vehicle, developed by the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The test mission carried a total of 27 experimental projects with a combined payload of 1.02 tons, tested in orbit at altitudes ranging from 200 to 600 kilometers.
The Lijian-2 is China’s first launch vehicle to adopt a common booster core design, standing 53 meters tall with a liftoff mass of 625 tons and a thrust capacity of 753 tons.
It is capable of delivering up to 8 tons to a 500-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit and 12 tons to low Earth orbit.
A New Milestone in China’s Space System
Yang Haoliang, commander of the Lijian-2 mission, stated that the rocket represents a major milestone in the development of China’s next-generation space cargo transportation system.
He emphasized that the advancement reflects a shift from reliance on a single launch vehicle to a more diversified system with enhanced interoperability and operational flexibility.
This systematic capability is considered crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of space station operations, while also improving the safety and reliability of cargo transport.
Advancing Reusable Rocket Technology
Developers are currently working on reusable rocket technologies, with initial tests already conducted on smaller-scale vehicles.
These developments include controlled landing capabilities, with further recovery tests planned later this year.
Commercial rockets are expected to play an increasingly important role in China’s national space missions, helping to reduce operational costs while maintaining high safety standards.
Conclusion
The successful debut of the Lijian-2 Y1 highlights China’s growing capabilities in advanced space transportation, marking a significant step toward more flexible, efficient, and cost-effective space missions.
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