Chinese rocket startup Deep Blue Aerospace is gearing up for another high-altitude vertical recovery mission in November, following a recent test flight of its reusable rocket, Nebula-1.
The oxygen/kerosene-fueled Nebula-1, Deep Blue’s first reusable launch vehicle, completed 10 out of 11 key verification tasks during its first high-altitude vertical recovery flight test last Sunday. An anomaly in the final landing phase led to a fracture of the rocket body.
“There was a problem with the engine’s thrust control servo tracking command, causing the rocket to land at a height exceeding its design parameters,” explained Zhao Ya, executive president of Deep Blue Aerospace. “As a safety precaution, the rocket shutdown command was triggered, resulting in partial damage to its body.”
Despite the setback, Zhao expressed optimism about the test’s outcomes. “The test has provided valuable data and experience, helping us identify issues and improve the rocket’s performance and reliability,” she said.
The 179-second test flight showcased Nebula-1’s strong performance in takeoff, ascent, and descent stages, with the rocket touching down precisely at the center point of the recovery field.
“The overall design of Nebula-1 is successful, and the reliability of its liquid oxygen/kerosene engine has been verified,” noted Shou Tuo, a senior aerospace industry observer.
Support from the public has been encouraging. “I have always felt that understanding is more important than the result,” posted Weibo user Cao Meng-Aerospace. “Let’s continue to work hard.”
With lessons learned from the test flight, Deep Blue Aerospace is confident as it prepares for the upcoming mission in November, aiming to advance China’s capabilities in reusable rocket technology.
Reference(s):
China aerospace startup sets for rocket vertical recovery missions
cgtn.com
