On Monday, January 12, 2026, China’s Lihong-1 Y1 commercial recoverable spacecraft achieved a major milestone with its first suborbital flight test over northwest China. The mission, launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, showcased a seamless parachute-based recovery of the experimental payload capsule.
The capsule soared to around 120 kilometers above Earth, offering a stable microgravity environment for over 300 seconds. After completing its scientific experiments, it descended back under a precision parachute system, touching down safely for quick retrieval.
Designed for low launch costs and high operational flexibility, Lihong-1 Y1 is built to be reused. Its recoverable nature means teams can analyze onboard data immediately and prep the spacecraft for its next mission faster than traditional throwaway rockets.
For young innovators in South and Southeast Asia eyeing space tech trends, Lihong-1 Y1 is proof that reusable suborbital flights are not just ambitious—they’re happening now. As regional startups explore satellite testing and microgravity research, this mission shines a light on new possibilities. 🚀🌏
Reference(s):
Commercial recoverable spacecraft completes test flight in China
cgtn.com
