Commercial launch providers shortlisted for China’s low-cost cargo spacecraft

Written by Andrew Jones Tuesday, 09 June 2026 09:02

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A wide aerial view of a rocket launch site in a desert landscape at sunset. A tall white rocket stands vertically on a launch pad near the center-right, surrounded by service towers and low buildings. A long rectangular assembly building and crane structure sit nearby, connected by paved roads. The surrounding terrain is flat, sandy, and sparsely developed, with distant mountains visible on the horizon under a warm orange sky.

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China is expanding the role of its commercial rocket companies by shortlisting four such entities for launches of a new space station cargo transport system.

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