China’s new rocket has entered the record books.
Gravity 1, built by Chinese company Orienspace, was launched for the first time on Thursday (January 11). The stubby, sturdy rocket rose from the deck of a ship anchored in the Yellow Sea at 12:30 a.m. ET (5:30 GMT), producing two large plumes of exhaust gas and several impressive large Debris flew into the blue sky.
Gravity-1 placed its payload (three commercial weather satellites Yunyao 1) into its planned orbit, according to Orienspace, which declared the debut launch a success.
According to SpaceNews’ Andrew Jones, Gravity-1 can carry a payload of about 14,300 pounds (6,500 kilograms) to low Earth orbit (LEO). Today’s launch makes it the most powerful Chinese commercial rocket ever to fly an orbital mission, as well as the most powerful solid-fuel launcher.
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If all goes to plan, Gravity-1 will be just one of Orienspace’s stable of rockets.
The company is also developing a vehicle called Gravity-2 with a liquid-fueled core stage and solid rocket booster. Orienspace is aiming for a 2025 debut for Gravity-2, which will likely be capable of lofting 25.6 tons to LEO, Jones said.
Then there’s Gravity-3, which combines three Gravity-2 core stages, just as SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy has three linked Falcon 9 boosters, Jones wrote. Gravity-3’s payload to LEO is expected to be approximately 30.6 tons.
For comparison: According to SpaceX’s specs page, the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy can carry around 25 and 70 tons, respectively, to LEO.
Today’s launch of Galaxy 1 marked China’s fourth orbital mission this year. The country has recently increased the pace of launches to an impressive level, and the role of the private sector is becoming increasingly important.
China will launch 64 orbital missions in 2022 and break its national record with 67 in 2023.