IT Home developing liquid rocket "Gravitation-2" with recovery capability
Chinese firm IT Home is developing the "Gravitation-2" liquid-propellant rocket, designed for partial recovery. The rocket is slated for its first flight in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Chinese technology firm IT Home has announced the development of its "Gravitation-2" liquid-propellant rocket, which is expected to be ready for its maiden flight in the fourth quarter of 2024. This next-generation rocket is designed to carry a payload of 21.5 tons to low Earth orbit and 15 tons to a 500 km sun-synchronous orbit.
A key feature of the "Gravitation-2" is its capability for partial recovery of its core stage, a development aimed at reducing launch costs for future missions. The rocket will be powered by the company's self-developed "Orion-110" liquid oxygen and kerosene engines. It is intended to support large-scale satellite constellation deployments and commercial high-orbit launches.
The announcement follows the successful third flight of IT Home's "Gravitation-1" rocket, described as the world's largest solid-propellant launch vehicle, which carried nine satellites into orbit. The "Gravitation-1" is now transitioning from experimental to serial production, indicating the company's growing capacity in the space sector.
The development of "Gravitation-2" underscores China's increasing focus on both its national space program and the burgeoning commercial space launch market. IT Home aims to compete globally by offering cost-effective and efficient launch solutions for satellite operators.