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Chinese commercial space firms have rushed into the sector since
2014, when private investment in the industry was allowed by the
state. Many started making satellites while others including
Beijing Tianbing focused on developing reusable rockets that can
significantly cut mission costs.
The non-reusable Tianlong-2 rocket, or "Heavenly Dragon" in
Chinese, was developed by Beijing Tianbing, also known as Space
Pioneer. It was successfully launched into orbit from the
Jiuquan launch centre in northwest China on Sunday, according to
Chinese state media.
Unlike solid-propellant rockets that cannot adjust their flow of
fuel, liquid-propellant rockets have significantly greater
control over their flight, with some such as SpaceX's Falcon 9
capable of returning to Earth in controlled descents and making
vertical landings.
Recent funding secured by Beijing Tianbing is expected to
finance the launch of a larger Tianlong-3 rocket with a reusable
first stage. The company also has plans to launch an even bigger
variant of the Tianlong-3 akin to SpaceX's Falcon Heavy.
Reusable rockets will help expedite the building of Chinese
constellations of commercial satellites that can offer services
ranging from high-speed internet for aircraft to tracking coal
shipments.
In its latest five-year plan for 2021-2025, the Chinese
government has called for an integrated network of satellites
for communications, remote sensing and navigation. China
currently has more than 400 satellites in space, including
commercially owned satellites, according to state media.
(Reporting by Ryan Woo; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
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