Taobao plans to transport parcels on rockets (2 photos + 1 video)
Here we are, living to see some epic space news.
A prototype of the Yuanxingzhe-1 (YXZ-1) reusable rocket was tested very successfully in China the other day. The test rocket lifted off from a towering steel structure at the Haiyang Satellite Launch Center in Shandong Province at 4:40 p.m. Eastern Time (20:40 UTC) on May 28.
Not only did it launch successfully, it also splashed down just as safely in the waters off the coast of Haiyang.
The test vehicle was made of thin-walled stainless steel and had a diameter of 4.2 meters, an overall height of 26.8 meters, and a takeoff weight of about 57 tons, according to Space Epoch. The test lasted 125 seconds and reached an altitude of about 2.5 kilometers. The test vehicle used Longyun methane and liquid oxygen engines provided by commercial firm Jiuzhou Yunjian (JZYJ).
In short, the Chinese are delighted, saying that with a little more training they will surpass Musk. The company has already partnered with Taobao, Alibaba's main e-commerce platform, to explore rocket-powered express delivery.
Just imagine, Yuanxingzhe-1 will be able to deliver up to 10 tons of cargo to any point on Earth in just an hour. Your case from China will arrive to you as an astronaut.