Kuaizhou-11, a Chinese rocket recently made news when it failed mid-flight due to an internal malfunction, causing a loss of both satellites it was carrying. The term “Kuaizhou” translates to “fast ship” in Chinese and holds its reputation as a low-cost solid-fueled carrier rocket.
The commercial launch firm Expace operated this rocket, which had been in development three years before its original scheduled debut in 2018. Identified also as KZ-11, the rocket had a lift-off mass of 70.8 tonnes and was designed mainly to launch low-Earth and Sun-synchronous orbit satellites.
Significance of Kuaizhou-11
Although the launch ended in failure, it highlighted a rapidly expanding commercial space industry in China. Commercial space launches, a growing industry in China, have seen companies such as Expace, iSpace, and Landspace reduce traditional launch operations. Since 2014, when the Chinese government opened its space sector to private investment, these companies have been developing rapid response capabilities.
This progressive move has offered significant advantages to both governmental and commercial customers.
Other Key Missions by China
Beyond Kuaizhou-11, China has embarked on several vital missions. The Tianwen-1 Mars Mission, due to launch by July 2020, is an attempt to redeem the previous ‘Yinghuo-1’ Mars mission’s failure, which Russia supported in 2012. The Long March 5 rocket is set to lift off Tianwen-1.
The Long March 5 Rocket is deemed a successful step by China towards operating a permanent space station and sending astronauts to the Moon. Furthermore, China plans to construct its own space station named Tiangong (a ‘Heavenly Palace’) by 2022.
Space Commercialization and India
The development of low-cost carrier rockets forms a competitive backdrop as China aims to compete with India for the lucrative global space launch market share. According to a Global Times issue in 2017, “China’s space industry is lagging behind that of India in the commercial space industry.”
Chinese rockets must find a unique position in the satellite market, where the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), with its reliable Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), already has a foothold. The PSLV has successfully launched 297 foreign satellites so far.
With the ongoing small satellite revolution – an estimated 17,000 small satellites competition to be launched between 2020 and 2030 – a strong private sector in space will aid India in harnessing this lucrative commercial space launch market.
Increasing Space Competitiveness: USA
Recently, SpaceX became the first private company to launch people into orbit, a feat only achieved previously by the US, Russia, and China. The spacecraft Crew Dragon successfully carried astronauts from NASA to the International Space Station (ISS).
Steps Taken By India
India’s response to the space race includes creating approvals to the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) and establishing New Space India Limited (NSIL). These initiatives provide an even playing field for private companies intending to use Indian space infrastructure.
ISRO has consistently set a precedent for cost-effectiveness, which gives them a distinct edge in the commercial arena of satellite launch services. With such expertise within the country, it is natural to expect the emergence of a private space industry that could prove globally competitive.
Way Forward
As competition, complexity, and demand for space-related activities rise, national legislation is needed to ensure the overall growth of the space sector. A new space law for India should aim to increase India’s share in the global space economy over the coming decade.
