🚀 On Saturday, the Chinese mainland reached a new milestone in commercial spaceflight with the successful launch of DEAR-5, its first commercial space-born experimental capsule. Lifted by the agile Kuaizhou-11 carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the northwest of the Chinese mainland, DEAR-5 and its satellite companion soared into their designated orbits, marking a leap forward for private space ventures.
Backed by the China Space Sanjiang Group, Kuaizhou-11 is designed for quick-response missions, offering flexibility for companies eager to test new technologies in orbit. DEAR-5 will run a series of onboard experiments, ranging from microgravity material studies to advanced communication tests. These trials promise to open doors for students, researchers, and startups looking to tap into space-based innovation.
🌌 Why it matters: Commercial space is no longer the realm of superpowers alone. With this launch, the Chinese mainland is empowering private players to join the space race, fueling competition, driving down costs, and inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers across Asia and beyond.
What’s next? Companies are already planning follow-up missions for late 2026, aiming to expand payload capacity and testing services. Keep an eye on this sector if you’re a young entrepreneur, investor, or space enthusiast—you could be witnessing the birth of a vibrant space economy! 💡🌟
Reference(s):
China launches first commercial space-born experimental capsule
cgtn.com
