China showcases Qingzhou spacecraft for future cargo missions

China showcases Qingzhou spacecraft for future cargo missions
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Apr 28, 2025

China has introduced its next-generation cargo spacecraft, Qingzhou, at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center, unveiling a full-size model during the Space Day of China celebrations. The spacecraft, intended for missions supplying the Tiangong Space Station and future commercial activities, is developed by the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Set to embark on its inaugural flight later this year, Qingzhou is currently in the final stages of design, with subsystem production already underway, according to chief designer Chang Liang.

Named "Light Ship" in Chinese, Qingzhou features a streamlined single-capsule structure with a 27-cubic-meter cargo hold capable of transporting up to 2 tons of supplies. It is engineered to deliver living essentials, experimental gear, and scientific instruments to taikonauts aboard orbital platforms.

Inside, the spacecraft utilizes a four-tier shelving system comprising 40 compartments, along with specialized cargo interfaces. It also includes a dedicated 300-liter cold-chain storage section to ensure delivery of fresh produce during missions.

"Qingzhou is a swift and nimble spacecraft, following a design which is taikonaut-centered, of low-cost, high-reliability, high-flexibility and high-intelligence," said Shu Rong, commander of the Qingzhou project.

According to Shu, the spacecraft integrates intelligent logistics systems to streamline cargo transfer and management tasks for astronauts, enhancing efficiency during resupply operations.

Looking beyond Tiangong, Qingzhou is also positioned to support broader commercial freight services, aiming to generate both economic returns and social value. Chang noted that Qingzhou was built with commercial spaceflight models in mind, emphasizing technological innovation and launch efficiency to achieve cost reductions.

During the design phase, the team studied a range of global cargo spacecraft, including the U.S. Dragon, Europe's ATV, Japan's HTV, and China's own Tianzhou vessels. Drawing on these insights, they crafted Qingzhou specifically to meet the spatial and logistical requirements set by the China Manned Space Agency.

"We've opted for an integrated single-capsule design for greater flexibility in launch vehicle selection, making it compatible with multiple rocket types and supporting rapid launch needs," Chang said.

For its first flight, Qingzhou will be launched aboard the Lijian-2 rocket, a reusable system developed by CAS Space, a commercial entity affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

In 2024, China's commercial aerospace sector experienced significant growth, and Qingzhou was among two winning designs in the China Manned Space Agency's competition for a low-cost cargo transport system. The other was the Haoloong space shuttle, a reusable spaceplane crafted by the Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute.

"Qingzhou represents a milestone in the commercial development of China's manned space program," Chang said. "The flexibility of commercial aerospace, its cost control, and pursuit of innovation are inherent advantages that will effectively strengthen China's overall space capabilities."