Chinese Startup Builds Record-Breaking Electric Rocket

Launching satellites into space just got more accessible, thanks to a startup proving that bigger isn't always more complicated.

Spark Space, founded just last year in Hefei, China, successfully tested its Lieyan-2 rocket engine in early March. The company is now building the Jinhua-1 rocket, which aims to carry 1,500 kilograms to low Earth orbit when it launches in 2027.

That's five times more cargo than Rocket Lab's Electron, currently the only electric-pump rocket reaching orbit. Each of Spark Space's engines generates 10 tons of thrust, compared to Electron's 2.4 tons per engine.

The achievement caught investors' attention fast. Spark Space secured nearly $15 million in funding across two rounds in June alone, led by Yunze Capital and Orbital Chenguang, with additional backing from Cathay Capital.

Electric-pump rockets work differently than traditional designs. They skip the heavy turbopumps and gas generators that conventional rockets need, making engines simpler, lighter, and potentially cheaper to build.

The 27.5-meter rocket will use nine Lieyan-2 engines on its first stage and one specialized engine for the second stage. Spark Space is now moving toward engine reliability testing and full rocket assembly at its facility in Hefei's National High-Tech Industry Development Zone.

The Ripple Effect

Cheaper launch options matter for satellite constellation companies trying to deploy and maintain networks in orbit. Small and medium-sized satellite operators currently face limited options and high costs for getting their equipment into space.

Spark Space's approach could democratize access to orbit for companies building communication, Earth observation, and internet satellites. The team draws expertise from China's major aerospace organizations, bringing decades of experience to their ambitious timeline.

While electric-pump technology has limits at larger scales, it's proving perfect for this sweet spot between small experimental rockets and massive heavy-lift vehicles.

Space access is becoming more affordable and frequent, one engine test at a time.