Launch of Gravity-1 Rocket by Orienspace – Expansion of China’s Private Space Sector

January 12, 2024

GS Paper III Science and Technology

Context:

Chinese startup Orienspace successfully launched the Gravity-1 rocket from a mobile sea platform, increasing the number of potential launch sites.

Orienspace’s Gravity-1 Launch Marks Milestone in China’s Private Space Exploration

Orienspace joins Exclusive Group to Launch Carrier Rocket: Launch of Gravity-1 made Orienspace the fifth private Chinese firm to operate its own carrier rocket, following i-Space, Galactic Energy, Space Pioneer and LandSpace.
Significance: Its successful launch will facilitate an increased frequency of commercial satellite launches into low- and mid-altitude orbits within the emerging private sector.

Gravity-1: Orienspace’s Solid-Fueled Marvel Revolutionising Satellite Deployment:

About: It is a solid-fueled launcher that effectively placed three Yunyao-1 commercial weather satellites into orbit.
Launch capability: According to Orienspace, the Gravity-1 rocket can deploy up to 30 satellites in a single launch.
- It can carry payloads weighing up to 6,500 kg (14,330 lb) into low earth orbit.
Flexibility of Sea Launches: It can be launched from a mobile sea platform.
- Sea launches would reduce the risk of rocket stages endangering inhabited areas as they fall back to Earth.