The Chinese commercial rocket Kinetica-2 during its maiden flight, which marked a new phase for CAS Space in the race for more affordable access to orbit. CAS Space positions it as a platform for the mass deployment of satellite constellations, low-cost cargo missions, and promising orbital services. According to CAS Space Vice President Yang Hao Liang, the current cost of launching Kinetica-2 in a single-use configuration is approximately 30,000 yuan per kilogram, or about $4,350 per kg. The launch pad for the Chinese Kinetica-2 rocket in a desert area of the Jiuquan Space Center, from where CAS Space has launched a new phase in the development of commercial orbital launches. If CAS Space truly reduces the cost of launches, this could lead to more frequent launches of astronomical instruments, atmospheric monitoring devices, and platforms for testing new space technologies.

Source: New York Times April 03, 2026 11:42 UTC