Yuanxingzhe-1

In Development
Space Epoch
Space Epoch
Yuanxingzhe-1

Overview

Two-stage, partially reusable stainless-steel rocket burning methane and liquid oxygen, designed for first-stage sea recovery and reuse. Branded 'Hiker-1' in English, its low-cost, stainless construction draws comparisons to a smaller SpaceX Starship.

A single-engine demonstrator completed China's first sea-based VTVL recovery test in May 2025. Three Yuanxingzhe-1 vehicles are now in production, with the first - named 'Qiantang-hao' - targeted for final assembly and testing by the end of August 2026 ahead of a debut orbital launch and recovery attempt targeted by the end of 2026.

Key Specs

Payload

~9,000 kg to 1,100 km SSO / ~13,800 kg to 200 km LEO

Height

~66 m

Liftoff Mass

Up to ~580 t

Diameter

4.2 m (with 3 m & 4 m tank sections)

Engines

Jiuzhou Yunjian LY-70 'Longyun' methalox (purchased)

Propellant

Methane / liquid oxygen

Construction

Stainless steel

Reusable

Yes (first stage; sea recovery)