China launches firs commercial spacecraft experimentally

China launched its first commercial space-born experimental capsule on Saturday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, marking a new milestone in the country's growing commercial space sector, reports CGTN.

The capsule, named DEAR-5, lifted off aboard a Kuaizhou-11 carrier rocket developed by the China Space Sanjiang Group. The rocket also carried a satellite, with both payloads successfully delivered to their designated orbits.

DEAR-5 is carrying 34 experimental payloads from research institutes, universities and enterprises. Over the next year, the capsule will support on-orbit research and technology verification across multiple frontier fields, including microgravity science, space life science, space materials, aerospace medicine and new space technologies.

The spacecraft consists of a service module and a payload module, with a cargo capacity exceeding 300 kilograms and a usable payload volume of 1.8 cubic meters. It is equipped with an intelligent cargo management system capable of handling more than 100 payloads in orbit, supporting the rapid integration and joint testing of diverse and complex experiments.

The system provides power supply, communications, thermal control and environmental monitoring tailored to different payload requirements. It also enables real-time payload control, status monitoring, data collection, storage and downlink. A zoned thermal control system ensures experiments operate within their designed temperature ranges throughout the mission. The successful launch of DEAR-5 lays important groundwork for future commercial space infrastructure, including the development of a full-scale commercial space station, CGTN learned from the company.

DEAR-5, a cylindrical experimental spacecraft, which tapers at the top, is fitted with two thin-film solar arrays. It is mounted with multiple in-orbit experimental instruments, including an optical camera, space environment sensors, space plant growth facility, mini space lab and a flexible sealed compartment. Also launched among the payloads is Xiwang-5 phase-2 satellite developed by China Academy of Space Technology. Kuaizhou-11 solid-fuel launch vehicle, developed by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation Limited, has a one-ton payload capacity to a 700 km sun-synchronous orbit. This mission marked the fourth flight of the Kuaizhou-11 rocket.

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