CAS Space schedules suborbital recovery test for Lihong-2 in 2027
Chinese aerospace company CAS Space intends to conduct recovery and reuse verification for its Lihong-2 vehicle in early 2027.
CAS Space deputy chief designer Lian Jie announced plans to execute a suborbital recovery verification flight for the Lihong-2 reusable vehicle in the first quarter of 2027. The test aims to reach an altitude of 100 kilometers to demonstrate the vehicle’s recovery capabilities, which the company intends to integrate into its broader launch vehicle fleet.
The Lihong-2 measures 18 meters in length with a 3.35-meter diameter and an initial takeoff weight of 60 metric tons. It is designed to accommodate seven passengers or up to three tons of cargo, providing approximately three minutes of weightlessness. This flight profile is intended for technology verification, space manufacturing, and scientific experiments.
Initial missions for the craft include testing automated protein crystallization systems for pharmaceutical research, validating robotic operation in space environments, and monitoring health data for potential space tourism. These initiatives seek to provide the necessary data and technical frameworks for future commercial space operations.