- Supercritical CO₂ could eliminate some of rocketry’s most expensive infrastructure requirements
- Cold launches avoid exposing launch pads to destructive exhaust temperatures exceeding 3,000°C
- Engine ignition occurs only after the rocket clears the launch platform safely
Chinese aerospace startup Z-Trak Space is exploring an unusual launch system using carbon dioxide (CO₂) commonly associated with fizzy drinks rather than rocket exhaust.
The proposal centres on supercritical CO₂, a state achieved when the gas remains above specific temperature and pressure thresholds simultaneously.
Developers believe the approach could lower infrastructure requirements while supporting faster launch schedules for China’s expanding commercial space sector.
A cold launch system could reduce dependence on expensive ground facilities
The technology ejects rockets using rapidly expanding high-pressure gas before igniting engines only after reaching a predetermined altitude overhead.
That sequence differs sharply from conventional hot launches where engines ignite directly on launch pads before the vehicle begins climbing skyward.
Because combustion occurs later in flight, scorching exhaust gases never strike the launch platform or surrounding support infrastructure below.
Traditional launch facilities require extensive protection systems because exhaust streams exceeding 3,000°C can damage structures rapidly during operations.
Launch towers and deep flame trenches therefore require substantial repairs and maintenance after missions involving repeated exposure to extreme temperatures.
According to the company, those requirements increase costs and slow launch frequencies whenever operators pursue swift response commercial missions.
“In commercial space launch scenarios requiring high frequency and rapid response, this incurs high time and financial costs, directly affecting launch pacing and response speed,” the company said.
Z-Trak Space believes eliminating those burdens could increase launch pacing while reducing dependence upon permanent launch infrastructure considerably over time.
China’s commercial sector sees cold launch technology as a possible advantage
The initiative combines efforts from Hunan based Zhiyu Aerospace Technology and Chiyang Space Power Technology Company through a recent collaboration 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 for small liquid-fuel launch vehicles” if implemented successfully at commercial scale.
The company also argued that supercritical CO₂ launches could reduce fuel use during lower altitude portions of flight operations.
Because supercritical CO₂ is non-toxic, developers also claim launches would avoid generating harmful emissions near ground facilities locally.
Z-Trak described the system as offering “high safety, low costs, clean environmental performance and low ablation” during launch procedures.
China’s commercial space industry recorded 50 launches during the previous year, representing more than half of national missions completed overall.
Whether CO₂ launches become commercially practical remains uncertain, although the proposal reflects experimentation occurring throughout China’s rapidly changing space industry.
Via SCMP
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