China launches revolutionary rocket delivery test for packages video

Beijing-based startup SEPOCH has achieved a breakthrough in commercial space logistics by successfully delivering packages from Taobao, one of China’s largest e-commerce platforms, using a reusable rocket.

The rocket was safely recovered from the sea after the test flight, marking a significant milestone in point-to-point rocket transport, Caliber.Az reports via Chinese media.

On May 29, SEPOCH conducted its inaugural "rocket delivery" experiment with its XZY-1 verification rocket off China’s eastern coast. The 26.8-meter, 57-tonne stainless steel rocket carried over 20 kilograms of packages during the 125-second flight, reaching an altitude of 2.5 kilometers before making a vertical landing on the sea near Shandong Province. Following an 18-hour recovery operation, the rocket was retrieved intact and returned to SEPOCH’s facility in excellent condition, showcasing the durability and reusability of the stainless steel design.

The rocket features a cargo bay with a volume of 120 cubic meters, capable of carrying up to 10 tonnes, potentially allowing it to transport cars and small trucks in future missions. The cargo on this test included products from two Taobao marketplace stores, including items from the National Library’s official flagship store and commemorative postcards created specifically for the experiment. This collaboration between SEPOCH and Alibaba’s Taobao signals China’s ambition to revolutionize global logistics by reducing intercontinental delivery times from days to mere minutes through rocket transport technology. 

Looking ahead, SEPOCH plans to complete its first orbital flight and recovery mission by the end of 2025. The rocket is designed to deliver up to seven tonnes of goods to an orbit approximately 1,100 kilometers above Earth using liquid oxygen and methane propulsion. Future developments will focus on optimizing the cargo bay layout to accommodate a wider variety of goods, including fresh produce and fragile items, as well as implementing an escape system to safeguard cargo during emergencies.

By Naila Huseynova