Chinese aerospace startup Z-Trak Space is trialing a novel rocket launch approach that uses supercritical carbon dioxide gas to initially eject rockets before engine ignition, aiming to reduce infrastructure damage, lower costs, and increase launch cadence for small liquid-fuel vehicles.
- Supercritical CO₂ enables pad ejection before engine ignition, preventing infrastructure damage.
- Method aims to reduce launch costs and increase frequency for small liquid-fuel rockets.
- Non-toxic gas use promises cleaner, safer launches with less environmental impact.
What happened
Z-Trak Space, a Chinese startup formed through collaboration between Zhiyu Aerospace Technology and Chiyang Space Power Technology Company, has begun testing an unconventional rocket launch system using supercritical carbon dioxide. The technology uses CO₂ in a highly pressurized and heated state to eject rockets from the launch platform before the main engines fire, contrasting with traditional launches where engines ignite on the pad.
This technique avoids exposing launch infrastructure to the scorching exhaust gases, which can exceed 3,000°C in conventional systems and cause substantial wear to protective structures. By delaying ignition until the rocket reaches a safe altitude, Z-Trak Space aims to protect launch facilities, decrease maintenance needs, and enable more rapid successive launches.
Why it matters
Reducing the thermal stress on launch pads addresses a significant cost and operational barrier for China's commercial spaceflight sector. Launch towers and flame trenches typically require expensive, frequent repairs due to extreme heat exposure during missions. By limiting or eliminating this damage, Z-Trak Space could cut operational expenses and improve the cadence of launches, critical for commercial responsiveness and competitiveness.
Additionally, supercritical CO₂ is a non-toxic and clean gas, bringing environmental benefits by minimizing harmful emissions near ground facilities. The startup also highlights potential fuel savings during early flight phases, further improving the economic and ecological footprint of rocket launches. These factors align well with China's rapidly expanding portfolio of commercial space missions, which accounted for more than half of the country's 50 launches last year.
What to watch next
The commercial viability of supercritical CO₂ launch systems remains to be proven, with practical deployment hurdles still ahead. Observers will watch closely to see if Z-Trak Space can scale the technology reliably for routine use and if it can compete with established liquid-fuel launch methods in cost, safety, and performance.
Moreover, success could stimulate further innovation within China's dynamic space startup ecosystem, encouraging more companies to explore alternative propulsion and launch technologies. Progress in this area may influence infrastructure design and market strategies for rapid-response, small satellite missions both domestically and internationally.