China's 'Space Transportation' Startup Tests Hypersonic Spaceplane Prototype

China's 'Space Transportation' Startup Tests Hypersonic Spaceplane Prototype

China commercial startup Space Transportation, also known as Lingkong Tianxing Technology, tested a prototype of their hypersonic passenger spaceplane during late January 2025, as shown in a released clip of a vertical takeoff. Founded in 2018 by Yudong Wang, Space Transportation focuses on reducing the costs of space exploration and on developing hypersonic aircraft. As testing continues, Space Transportation’s ambitious goal is to make commercial hypersonic travel a reality. It may soon introduce a new era in global transportation. The vehicle design involves two reusable rocket boosters and a reusable rocket plane. It would be capable of a 1-hour trip from Shanghai, China, to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates—a distance of over 6,400 km or nearly 4,000 miles.

This vehicle is being developed by Sichuan Lingkong Tianxing Technology as part of a parallel effort to develop a supersonic passenger jet capable of Mach 4.1, over twice as fast as the British-French Concorde supersonic plane, according to the company. Supersonic aircraft development has been delayed for decades due to challenges, such as noise, economic feasibility, and a lack of mature technology.

Learn more: https://www.spacetransportation.com.cn

Video Credit: Lingkong Tianxing Technology
Duration: 4 seconds
Release Date: Jan. 24, 2025

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