"Tianzhou" is a cargo spacecraft that China has been using since 2017, launched every 9 months with the Long March 7 rocket to deliver supplies, propellant, and scientific experiments to astronauts aboard the Chinese space station in orbit. Its payload capacity is 7.5 tons. Compared to similar spacecraft around the world, this is a considerably large payload capacity, but it reduces flexibility because a larger payload means fewer launch times. Therefore, China needs a smaller spacecraft.

“天舟”是中国自2017年以来一直在使用的货运飞船,每9个月用长征七号发射一次,为在轨的中国空间站上的宇航员运送补给、推进剂和科学实验,它的载荷能力是7.5吨。与全球同类飞船相比,这是一个相当大的载荷能力,但这减少了灵活性,因为更大的载荷意味着发射次数更少。所以中国需要一艘更小的飞船。

On May 16, 2023, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) issued a request for proposals for a "low-cost cargo transportation system" to the Chinese space station. This solicitation was open to all companies, including commercial ones. In 2024, two suppliers were sexted: "Haolong One" from the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and "Qingzhou" from the Shanghai Microsystem and Information Technology Institute. The introduction of these two new commercial spacecraft marks a new era in the material supply services for the Chinese space station.


2023年5月16日,中国载人航天局(CMSA)发布了一个征求建议书,寻求到中国空间站的“低成本货运运输系统”,这次征集对所有公司开放,包括商业公司。2024年,两家供应商被选中,分别是来自中国航空工业集团公司的“昊龙一号”和来自上海微系统所的“轻舟”。这两艘新型商业航天器的推出标志着中国空间站物资补给服务的新纪元。

"Haolong One," designed by the aviation industry giant AVIC, stands out for its unique space shuttle design and swept-back delta wings, capable of horizontal landing. The spacecraft is 10 meters long and 8 meters wide, with a payload capacity of 1.8 tons, compatible with the standard docking mechanism of the Chinese space station. The wings of "Haolong One" are foldable to accommodate different launch mission requirements. Additionally, its return capability will greatly enhance China's ability to bring payloads back from the space station.

“昊龙一号”由航空工业巨头中国航空工业集团公司(AVIC)设计,以其独特的航天飞机设计和后掠三角翼而引人注目,能够实现水平着陆。该飞船总长10米,宽8米,载荷能力达到1.8吨,与中国空间站的标准对接机制兼容。“昊龙一号”的翅膀可折叠,以适应不同的发射任务需求。此外,其返回能力将极大增强中国从空间站带回有效载荷的能力。

Competing with "Haolong One" is the "Qingzhou" spacecraft designed by the Shanghai Microsystem and Information Technology Institute, which is set to have its first launch in September 2025. "Qingzhou" features a single integrated module design, providing 27 square meters of payload space, capable not only of transporting supplies to the space station but also carrying spacecraft systems, such as propulsion and optional refrigeration units. "Qingzhou's" payload capacity ranges from 1.8 to 2 tons. Although not reusable, it will serve as a means of unloading waste, capable of carrying up to 2.9 tons of waste to burn upon departure. Reports indicate that its cost is about 100 million RMB per ton, below the government-set limit of 120 million RMB per ton.

与“昊龙一号”竞争的是上海微系统所设计的“轻舟”飞船,它将在2025年9月首次发射,“轻舟”采用单一体化模块设计,提供27平方米的载荷空间,不仅能够为空间站运送物资,还能搭载飞船系统,如推进和可选的冷藏单元。“轻舟”的有效载荷能力在1.8吨到2吨之间,虽然不可重复使用,但将作为卸载废物的手段,最多可携带2.9吨废物在撤离时燃烧。据报道,其成本约为每吨1亿人民币,低于政府设定的1.2亿人民币的上限。

The introduction of these two spacecraft is the first step in the commercialization of China's space program, with the first public bidding open to all companies, including commercial ones. This strategy is similar to NASA's Commercial Resupply and Commercial Crew programs in the late 2000s, aimed at promoting the development of space technology through competition and cooperation. It is expected that these new commercial spacecraft will be put into use in the coming years, further enhancing the operational capabilities and efficiency of the Chinese space station.

这两艘飞船的推出是中国空间计划商业化的第一步,首次公开招标对所有公司开放,包括商业公司,这一策略与NASA在2000年代末的商业补给和商业乘员计划相似,旨在通过竞争和合作推动航天技术的发展。预计这些新型商业航天器将在未来几年内投入使用,进一步提升中国空间站的运营能力和效率。