Chinese private space company SEPOCH has successfully carried out a test delivery of packages by rocket from the Taobao e-commerce platform, Xinhua news agency reported. After the flight, the rocket landed safely at sea and was returned intact, marking a significant step in the development of commercial space logistics.
Beijing-based startup SEPOCH conducted its first “rocket delivery” test from China’s east coast on May 29. The stainless steel rocket, called XZY-1, carried packages weighing more than 20 kilograms and landed in coastal waters off Shandong Province after takeoff.
The 26.8-meter-long, 57-ton rocket reached an altitude of 2.5 kilometers in 125 seconds. After an 18-hour search, the rocket was returned to the factory without any signs of damage. The rocket’s cargo hold, with a capacity of 120 m³, is designed to carry up to 10 tons of cargo, theoretically allowing it to transport cars or small trucks.
During the test, goods were transported from two Taobao stores, including the official store of the National Library of China.
The cooperation between SEPOCH and Alibaba’s Taobao platform marks China’s entry into the rapidly developing field of rocket transportation. This technology could revolutionize global logistics, reducing intercontinental shipping times from days to minutes.
SEPOCH plans to conduct its first orbital flight and recovery by the end of 2025. The rocket will be able to transport 7 tons of cargo to an orbit of 1,100 km using liquid oxygen and methane.
The next stage will improve the structure of the cargo hold, expanding the range of goods transported, including fresh food and fragile goods. A package security system is also planned.
