China's Nebula-1 Rocket Takes Flight in High-Altitude Recovery Test

China's Deep Blue Aerospace conducted a significant test flight of its Nebula-1 rocket, marking the first high-altitude vertical recovery test for an orbital launch vehicle in China. While the mission wasn't entirely successful due to an anomaly in the final landing phase, it still represented a major milestone.

The Nebula-1 successfully completed 10 out of 11 major verification tasks, demonstrating its potential for reusability. The test aimed to verify the correctness and coordination of various systems during the vertical recovery phase, particularly the transition from multiple engines to a single engine. This data will be crucial for future recovery flight tests and the final orbital and recovery test missions.

The test was conducted at the Ejin Banner spaceport, the first fully commercialized facility in China capable of supporting liquid rocket launches and flight tests. The Nebula-1's use of an open-cycle liquid oxygen-kerosene engine for high-altitude recovery testing marks a first for China. This combination offers high efficiency, low cost, and excellent safety and maintenance characteristics, making it ideal for commercial reusable rockets.

While the Nebula-1's first high-altitude recovery test wasn't entirely successful, it provided valuable data and insights for future development. Deep Blue Aerospace's commitment to innovation and technological advancement positions them as a key player in China's growing commercial space industry.