Hey space enthusiasts! 🚀
China’s Qingzhou cargo spacecraft, developed by the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, just wrapped up multiple key tech verifications and dived into integrated testing.
After its design review in June 2025, the Qingzhou prototype moved into initial manufacturing, and all R&D is on track. Full engineering model production kicks off in early 2026, so mark your calendars!
Why Qingzhou is a Game-Changer for Tiangong
- Light & Efficient: ~3.3 m diameter, 5 t weight, can haul up to 1.8 t of cargo.
- Versatile Design: Sealed pressurized module for taikonauts’ supplies & precision gear, plus an open section for external payloads and experiments 🔬.
- Smart Storage: Four racks, 40 compartments, 27 m³ volume, plus five 60 L cold-chain units for food & bio-samples 🥡.
Looking Ahead
Future Qingzhou versions will pack an intelligent cargo management system—voice commands to find what you need, cutting down crew workload and boosting safety. Plus, it’s two-way: delivers up to 1.8 t of supplies and can bring back ~2 t of waste. ♻️
As China’s space station enters its application & development phase, the demand for flexible, cost-effective logistics is rising. Qingzhou’s single-module, space-saving design is all set to meet these needs and keep Tiangong stocked and running smoothly.
Stay tuned for more updates on this next-gen cargo shuttle—2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for space tech! 🌌✨
Reference(s):
China to start prototype development of new cargo spacecraft in 2026
cgtn.com
