A large-scale exhibition dedicated to China’s Space Day will be held in Shanghai from April 24 to May 5, 2025. The main exhibit will be a full-size model of the advanced cargo ship Qingzhou (Light Rook), designed for orbital station supply missions. The event marks the 55th anniversary of the launch of China’s first satellite, Dongfang Hong-1.
“Qingzhou”, created by the Innovation Institute of Microsatellites of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, differs from the current “Tianzhou” (Tianzhou, “Sky Rook”) series of satellites by its compact size and increased economic efficiency. With a launch mass of 5 tons, the spacecraft is capable of delivering up to 1.8 tons of cargo to low-Earth orbit. Its internal volume of 27 m3 allows to accommodate not only scientific equipment and life support systems, but also a specialized refrigerated compartment for 300 liters – it is three times larger than that of previous models. According to project manager Shu Rong, this design will provide the taikonauts with fresh fruits and vegetables even during long expeditions.
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Illustration: Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of the Chinese Academy of Sciences / Xinhua
“The use of new composite materials and optimization of the propulsion system reduced the production cost by 30 percent compared to its counterparts,” said Shu Rong. In addition to its mission to supply the national space station, Qingzhou will become a platform for commercial launches, including the delivery of microsatellites, in the coming years.
Of particular interest is the timing of the Qingzhou demonstration: the full flight of the spacecraft is scheduled for late 2026, but already now its model allows us to assess the progress of the Chinese space program. Analysts note that lowering the cost of cargo delivery to orbit could accelerate the implementation of international projects involving China, including joint research with countries in Asia and the Middle East.
