Earlier today (Saturday, December 13, 2025), China launched its first commercial spaceborne experimental capsule from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the northwest of the Chinese mainland. The mission marks a milestone in the country’s private space sector.
The capsule, DEAR-5, boarded the Kuaizhou-11 solid-fuel carrier rocket developed by the China Space Sanjiang Group, a leading private enterprise in the Chinese mainland’s burgeoning space industry. Alongside DEAR-5, the rocket deployed a satellite into its designated orbit, demonstrating the Kuaizhou-11’s multi-payload capability and rapid-launch design.
Industry observers say DEAR-5’s success showcases a maturing value chain—from rocket manufacturing to in-orbit research—and could accelerate competition in global commercial space markets. With costs driven down by solid-fuel systems and streamlined operations, private players in the Chinese mainland are poised to take on roles traditionally held by state-run agencies.
Looking ahead, Sanjiang Group plans more DEAR-series flights to carry microgravity experiments, materials testing and other payloads for research institutions and commercial clients. The move aligns with a global trend: private firms are increasingly fueling space exploration, satellite deployment and scientific research beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
As DEAR-5 embarks on its mission, the commercial space race enters a new era, highlighting the Chinese mainland’s accelerating role in orbit.
Reference(s):
China launches first commercial space-born experimental capsule
cgtn.com
