On October 29, China unveiled the design of the Haolong spacecraft, a commercial space vehicle intended for low-cost cargo transport to the space station.
Lin Xiqiang, spokesperson for the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), announced the progress of the development projects for the low-cost cargo spacecraft and crewed lunar rovers during a press conference for the Shenzhou 19 mission on October 29. Haolong, the winged spacecraft, developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group under the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), is one of the winning projects awarded a contract for the technical flight verification phase.
The Haolong spacecraft (right) will transport cargo between the space station and Earth at low costs. (Photo: AVIC).
This type of spacecraft can be launched by a rocket and dock with the space station. After separating from the station, it will begin its descent, re-entering the atmosphere and landing on an airport runway. After inspection and maintenance, the spacecraft can continue to serve future missions, according to AVIC.
With its large wingspan, high lift-to-drag ratio, and reusable technology, Haolong is an efficient commercial vehicle. It can carry significant amounts of cargo to and from the space station, providing good flight conditions and strong support for space activities.
Haolong also helps reduce the cost of transporting cargo to the space station due to its multiple reuse capability. The new spacecraft aims to establish a safe, reliable, diverse, and efficient cargo transport system between the station and Earth.
The model of Haolong is expected to be unveiled at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, which will take place from November 12 to 17 in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, southern China. AVIC will showcase the spacecraft from all angles. The corporation stated that the Haolong space shuttle will lead and promote breakthroughs and new developments in China’s reusable space transport technology, solidifying and advancing the country’s space exploration efforts of the Haolong shuttle, while contributing to the overall benefit of humanity.
