First flight planned for the first quarter of 2027

China has successfully completed a series of propulsion system tests for the upper stage of the Lixun-1, officially entering the flight testing phase. According to TV BRICS partner Science and Technology Daily, the developers said the first flight is planned for the first quarter of 2027.

The tests verified three core technologies of the Lixun-1: high-thrust, high-performance multiple-restart technology; parallel multi-tank balanced propellant delivery technology; and a highly reliable integrated electrical design. The test results confirmed that the upper stage meets all design requirements and is capable of carrying out its first flight mission.

The developers liken the Lixun-1 upper stage to a “space shuttle bus”. It does not launch from the ground but delivers satellites into orbit after the rocket has entered space. It can manoeuvre between different orbits, helping to conserve satellite fuel and solve the challenge of deploying multiple satellites into different orbits in a single launch. The booster is equipped with an engine capable of being restarted more than 20 times and can autonomously plan its flight trajectory in the vacuum of space and under extreme temperature conditions.

The Lixun-1 upper stage uses a modular design and can be used with various launch vehicles. Its applications include delivering satellites to high orbits, deploying satellite constellations and supporting deep-space exploration missions, such as lunar exploration.

African Times published this article in partnership with International Media Network TV BRICS