iSpace continues to test the new Hyperbola-2 rocket. Within a few weeks, the Chinese company organized two jump tests.
The first test of Hyperbola-2 took place at the beginning of last month. The second test took place a few days ago. The rocket was able to climb to an altitude of 343.12 meters, after which it successfully made a soft landing.
Hyperbola-2 is being developed as a reusable two-stage launch vehicle capable of placing up to 1.9 tons of payload into low Earth orbit. The power plant uses liquid oxygen and methane. This fuel is cheaper than liquid hydrogen. In addition, methane is not so aggressive to engine components.
Chinese private company iSpace has once again performed a vertical takeoff and landing test with its Hyperbola 2Y (SQX-2Y) prototype in Jiuquan, reaching an altitude of 343.12 m. El salto duró 63,15 s. pic.twitter.com/FwpkY4CCMq
— Daniel Marín (@Eurekablog) December 10, 2023
The missile remained in the air for 1 minute 3 seconds and then descended almost to the center of the neighboring site with an accuracy of 29.5 cm. The landing speed was 1.1 m/s. For comparison, during the first test, Hyperbola-2 jumped 178.4 meters and landed with an accuracy of 1.7 meters. For next spring, the Chinese company has planned a spacewalk.
iSpace is also developing the Hyperbola-3 rocket. It is expected to make its first flight in a single-use version in 2025, and a reusable version will appear in 2026. The company will also create a Hyperbola-3B rocket to compete with the Falcon Heavy.
