Yueqian-1

In Development

Overview

Two-stage, methane–liquid oxygen reusable rocket whose first stage is recovered by a ground 'chopstick' tower-catch system rather than landing legs — China's first such design, modeled on SpaceX's Mechazilla. Roughly 70 m tall and 4.2 m in diameter with a nine-engine first stage.

Preliminary design review passed and tower-catch recovery being validated via a verification platform and drop tests. Final assembly and integrated testing are planned for the second half of 2026, with a debut orbital flight targeted for 2027.

Key Specs

Payload to LEO

18,000 kg expended / 12,000 kg reused

Height

~70 m

Diameter

4.2 m

Liftoff Mass

~554 t

First-Stage Engines

9 × YF-209 (~80 t each; ~720 t total)

Propellant

Methane / liquid oxygen

Reusable

Yes (first stage; up to 20 flights, tower-catch)