Recently, at the Oriental Spaceport in Haiyang, Yantai, Shandong Province, a white rocket stood on the test platform. Amid a roar, the sea-based test of the first-stage power system of the reusable liquid launch vehicle “Zhishenxing-1” developed by Galactic Energy achieved complete success. With this, all large-scale ground tests for this type of rocket have been completed.
“This is another key progress following the recent successful test of the second-stage power system of the same model” introduced Zhang Shaodan, Deputy Director of the Overall Technology Department of Galactic Energy. As a reusable rocket, “Zhishenxing-1” has a takeoff mass of approximately 283 tons and a maximum low-Earth orbit (LEO) payload capacity of 7 tons. It is mainly targeted at the large constellation networking and large satellite launch markets. “The designed reusability count is no less than 25 times, and its stages will return after completing the propulsion mission” he added.
When talking about the core technology enabling reusability, Zhang Shaodan explained the innovative design of the engine: “The engine adopts a simple and high-efficiency pintle injector technology, featuring thrust variability and multiple start capabilities. Its thrust can be adjusted between 50 tons and 20 tons. This wide-range thrust adjustment capability is crucial for achieving vertical and precise landing of the stages.”
The innovation of “Zhishenxing-1” is also reflected in its system architecture. The rocket adopts a seven-engine parallel configuration and is equipped with “single-engine failure” fault-tolerant control capability. When a single engine malfunctions, the system can real-time reallocate control commands to the remaining six engines through fault status monitoring, ensuring the rocket continues stable flight.
It is understood that the maiden flight of “Zhishenxing-1” will be carried out at the self-built launch pad of Galactic Energy in the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Test Area, Jiuquan, Gansu Province. Currently, the construction of the launch pad is in the final stage. Once completed, it will possess independent testing, fueling, and launch (recovery) capabilities. It is reported that in 2026, “Zhishenxing-1” will conduct recovery test verification along with its launch mission.