- Supercritical CO₂ could eliminate some of the rockets’ most expensive infrastructure requirements
- Cold launches avoid exposing launch pads to destructive exhaust temperatures in excess of 3,000°C
- Engine ignition occurs only after the rocket has safely cleared the launch pad
Chinese aerospace startup Z-Trak Space is exploring an unusual launch system that uses carbon dioxide (CO₂), commonly associated with soda, instead of rocket exhaust.
The proposal focuses on supercritical CO₂, a condition achieved when the gas remains above specific temperature and pressure thresholds simultaneously.
Developers believe the approach could lower infrastructure requirements while supporting faster launch plans for China’s expanding commercial space sector.
A cold launch system could reduce reliance on expensive ground installations
The technology launches rockets using rapidly expanding high-pressure gas before the engines are ignited, only after reaching a predetermined height overhead.
This sequence differs markedly from conventional hot launches, where engines are ignited directly on launch pads before the vehicle begins its climb into the sky.
Because combustion occurs later in flight, burning exhaust gases never hit the launch pad or the surrounding support infrastructure below.
Traditional launch facilities require extensive protection systems because exhaust streams above 3,000°C can damage structures rapidly during operations.
Launch towers and deep flame pits therefore require extensive repairs and maintenance after missions involving repeated exposure to extreme temperatures.
According to the company, these requirements increase costs and slow launch rates as operators pursue rapid response commercial missions.
“In commercial space launch scenarios that require high frequency and fast response, this results in high time and financial costs that directly affect launch pace and response speed,” the company said.
Z-Trak Space believes that eliminating these burdens can increase the pace of launches while significantly reducing reliance on permanent launch infrastructure over time.
China’s commercial sector sees cold launch technology as a possible advantage
The initiative combines the efforts of Hunan-based Zhiyu Aerospace Technology and Chiyang Space Power Technology Company through a recent cooperation agreement.
Z-Trak Space founder Zhang Zihan, who studied aerospace engineering at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, described the concept as potentially transformative.
Zhang said the method would “fundamentally change the model of small liquid-fueled launch vehicles” if successfully implemented on a commercial scale.
The company also argued that supercritical CO₂ launches could reduce fuel consumption during parts of lower-altitude flight operations.
Because supercritical CO₂ is non-toxic, developers also argue that launches would avoid generating harmful emissions near ground facilities locally.
Z-Trak described the system as offering “high safety, low cost, clean environmental performance and low ablation” during launch procedures.
China’s commercial space industry recorded 50 launches over the previous year, representing more than half of the total national missions completed.
Whether CO₂ launches will become commercially practical remains uncertain, though the proposal reflects experiments taking place across China’s rapidly changing space industry.
Via SCMP
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