Galactic Energy's Pallas-1 Reaches Orbit, Advancing China's Reusable Rocket Ambitions

On Tuesday, Galactic Energy, a Chinese rocket manufacturer, achieved a successful launch of its Pallas-1 medium-to-large reusable rocket from a self-constructed pad located in the commercial pilot zone of the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in Gansu province. This two-stage rocket, which measures 52 meters in height and has a diameter of 3.35 meters, weighs approximately 283 tonnes and generates a thrust of 350 tonnes-force. Its first stage utilizes seven CQ-50 liquid oxygen-kerosene engines developed in-house. Although Pallas-1 is designed to transport up to 7 tonnes to low Earth orbit and endure 25 flights, its initial mission did not include booster recovery. Galactic Energy aims to test re-entry control and other systems before pursuing full vertical landings, supporting China's ambition to enhance its status as a 'space power' as outlined in the latest five-year plan, while also closing the gap with SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, in reusable launch technology.