China's New Rocket Launches Signal Major Advancements in Space Access
China is preparing to launch a series of new and reusable rockets, marking significant advancements in its space capabilities. The Long March 12B, a state-led initiative, is set to debut soon, featuring a kerosene and liquid oxygen propellant mix with a 20-ton-class low Earth orbit carrying capacity. This follows the Long March 12A, which had a failed recovery attempt. Additionally, commercial entities like Galactic Energy and iSpace are also gearing up for launches. Galactic Energy's Pallas-1, a kerosene-liquid oxygen rocket, is ready for its first flight, while iSpace's Hyperbola-3 is expected to debut by the end of 2026. These developments are part of China's broader strategy to enhance its space access and support its megaconstellation projects.