Kinetica-2 (Lijian-2)

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CAS Space
CAS Space
Kinetica-2 (Lijian-2)

Overview

Medium-lift kerosene-liquid oxygen rocket with a three-core (tri-body) first stage powered by nine YF-102 engines — CAS Space's first liquid launch vehicle, designed for future first-stage reusability.

Reached orbit on its successful March 30, 2026 maiden flight from Jiuquan, deploying a prototype of the Qingzhou cargo spacecraft. Reusability is in development, with around ten demonstration flights planned through 2028 (aerodynamic control, in-flight reignition, then landing).

Key Specs

Payload to LEO

12,000 kg (200 km)

Payload to SSO

8,000 kg (500 km)

Height

53 m

Core Diameter

3.35 m

Engines

9 x YF-102 (kerolox, 3 per core)

Reusable

Planned (first stage, demos through 2028)

Maiden Flight

Mar 30, 2026 (success)