BEIJING: A Chinese startup has taken a bold step into the future of logistics by successfully launching and recovering a rocket carrying Taobao e-commerce packages. The test, conducted by Beijing-based SEPOCH, marked a significant achievement in reusable space logistics, and positions China at the forefront of the emerging chinese rocket delivery industry.
On 29 May, SEPOCH’s XZY-1 verification rocket lifted off from China’s eastern coast with over 20 kilogrammes of packages onboard. After a 125-second flight reaching 2.5 kilometres in altitude, the rocket executed a controlled vertical landing in the sea near Shandong Province. Following an 18-hour recovery operation, it was returned intact and in excellent condition.
Weighing 57 tonnes and built of stainless steel, the 26.8-metre rocket features a 120-cubic-metre cargo bay capable of transporting up to 10 tonnes—including vehicles. For this test, items from two Taobao stores were included, such as commemorative postcards and goods from the National Library’s official store.
SEPOCH founder Wei Yi confirmed that the rocket’s express cargo bay met all safety and durability standards, including fire resistance, shock absorption, and moisture protection. He noted that this trial was a successful proof-of-concept for chinese rocket delivery systems aimed at high-speed, intercontinental transport.
The collaboration between SEPOCH and Alibaba’s Taobao marketplace represents a bold exploration into space-based delivery solutions. Experts say point-to-point rocket transport could reduce global shipping times from days to minutes.
This marks a pivotal moment in e-commerce innovation and aerospace logistics, with Chinese firms setting a new benchmark in the possibilities of fast, sustainable, and scalable delivery technologies.
