Hyperbola-3
A reusable rocket from Beijing's iSpace that burns liquid methane and oxygen in its Focus-2 engines, with a first stage meant to be recovered at sea and flown again.
Why it matters
iSpace's February 2026 round, reported as the largest disclosed for a Chinese launch startup, and its 2026 Series E are paying to develop and mass-produce this rocket. A reusable booster would give satellite operators another Chinese launch option.
How the technology works
The rocket uses iSpace's Focus-2 engines, which burn liquid oxygen and methane. Its first stage is designed to be recovered at sea and reused, and iSpace operates a recovery ship called Interstellar Return.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction