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 and ground testing for a debut orbital launch and recovery attempt targeted by the end of 2026.

Key Specs

Payload to SSO

~6,500 kg (1,100 km)

Height

64 m

Diameter

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

Engines

Jiuzhou Yunjian methalox (purchased)

Propellant

Methane / liquid oxygen

Construction

Stainless steel

Reusable

Yes (first stage; sea recovery)