On November 4, Galaxy Power successfully completed the first-stage power system test of the Pallas-1 reusable liquid launch vehicle at the No. 1 semi-fixed rocket sub-stage test platform at Dongfang Spaceport in Haiyang, Shandong.This is another key development after the successful test run of the second-stage power system of this model, markingThe large-scale ground tests of Pallas 1 have been completed and will soon make its first flight.
This first-stage power system test verified the rationality of the plan and system coordination of the first stage of the Pallas-1 rocket during the filling and parking stages;
The work matching between the supercharged delivery system and the engine system and the correctness of the timing control of the electrical system were assessed;
Verified the correctness of the ignition and shutdown process design of the seven engines and the power system fault diagnosis function;
The joint swing function during the ignition process of seven engines was assessed;
The test environment parameters were obtained and empirical data related to the test launch process were accumulated.
Pallas-1 is mainly aimed at large-scale constellation networking and large-scale satellite launch markets. It is the first batch of reusable configuration liquid launch vehicles in China that is about to launch orbital-level launches. It is designed to be reused no less than 25 times.
The first sub-stage adopts a parallel connection scheme of seven self-developed CQ-50 liquid oxygen/kerosene engines, with the optional Eros upper stage. It has a take-off mass of about 283 tons and a maximum low-orbit carrying capacity of 7 tons.
Focusing on the recycling and reuse of the first stage of Pallas 1, Galaxy Power has carried out a number of core technical research projects:
The first seven-machine parallel scheme in China, the engine has deep variable thrust and multiple starting capabilities, achieving one-stage vertical and precise landing;
Through the reverse jet wind tunnel test, key data are provided for the design of the recovery guidance control system;
The extensive application of advanced manufacturing processes such as 3D printing on the rocket has laid a solid foundation for the mass production and reusability of the rocket.
In 2026, Pallas 1 plans to begin orbital-level recovery test verification with the launch mission.
The first flight of Pallas 1 is planned to be carried out at Galaxy Power’s self-built station in Jiuquan’s “Dongfeng Commercial Aerospace Innovation Test Zone”.
At present, the construction of this station has entered the final stage and will be ready for acceptance and use in the near future.
